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W. (I) (2008) 6.4
Ratings:
6.4/10 from 32,857 users
Metascore: 56/100
Reviews: 301 user | 239 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com A chronicle on the life and presidency of George W. Bush. Director:Oliver StoneWriter:Stanley Weiser |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Josh Brolin | ... | ||
| Colin Hanks | ... |
Speechwriter #1
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| Toby Jones | ... | ||
| Dennis Boutsikaris | ... | ||
| Jeffrey Wright | ... | ||
| Thandie Newton | ... | ||
| Scott Glenn | ... | ||
| Richard Dreyfuss | ... | ||
| Bruce McGill | ... | ||
| Wes Chatham | ... |
Fraternity Enforcer
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| Jesse Bradford | ... |
Fraternity President
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| Sean Stone | ... |
Fraternity Pledge #1
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Ben Mayer | ... |
Fraternity Pledge #2
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| James Cromwell | ... | ||
| Juan Gabriel Pareja | ... |
Oil Worker
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Oliver Stone's biographical take on the life of George W. Bush, one of the most controversial presidents in USA history, chronicling from his wild and carefree days in college, to his military service, to his governorship of Texas and role in the oil business, his 2000 candidacy for president, his first turbulent four years, and his 2004 re-election campaign. Written by Anonymous
Taglines:
Get Ready See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Release Date:
17 October 2008 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Bush See more »Box Office
Budget:
$25,100,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£183,065 (UK) (14 November 2008)Gross:
$25,517,500 (USA) (28 November 2008)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?
Goofs
Cheney says "Atta met Saddam's intel chief in Czechoslovakia." Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, ten years earlier. See more »Quotes
George Herbert Walker Bush: If I remember correctly, you didn't like the sporting goods job. Working in the investment firm wasn't for you either, or the oil rig job. You didn't exactly finish up with flying colors in the Air National Guard, junior. What are you cut out for? Partying? Chasing tail? Driving drunk? What do you think you are, a Kennedy? You're a Bush. Act like one!See more »
W.- *½/****
Oliver Stone's W. is an oddity. There's no other word for it. In attempting to provide psychological commentary on the presidency of George W. Bush, it forgets the simple cinematic basics of story, structure and character. The tone of the film is nearly non existent, leaving its admirable cast of actors on shaky ground without a leg to stand on.
Stone juxtaposes the rise of "Dubya" (played by Josh Brolin) with his decision to begin the current Iraq War. In displaying Bush's journey from frat boy to drunk to born again AA member to leader of the free world, Stone has enough material to create a wicked absurdist satire, or compelling political theater. However, Stone seems hell-bent on making a film that remains neutral toward the forty- third President, giving him the ability to say things like, "It will contain surprises for Bush supporters and his detractors."# Well, yes, I was surprised indeed. Surprised that the man who's made films as vibrant and lively as JFK and Natural Born Killers, as somber and emotional as Platoon or Born on the Fourth of July has rendered this film completely dull and lifeless.
Perhaps Stone isn't completely to blame. Stanley Weiser's script, bland and talky in the worst possible way, contains figures instead of characters, and when put into scenes these figure say exactly what should be shown in outlets other than dialog removing any hope for subtlety.
I do know this, the film's failure is certainly not the fault of the cast which includes actors as esteemed as Richard Dreyfuss and Ellen Burstyn. By and large (with the exception of Thandie Newton's dreadful aping of Condoleezza Rice) the cast excels at inhabiting the situation. This is especially true for Brolin who's performance is so complete and convincing that it overshadows the entire film and underlines the numerous flaws. Beyond physical inhabitation and imitation, Brolin's performance shows a deep understanding of Dubya as a man, I wish I could say the same about the film.