President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Monday. Whether the change in Presidential administration reignites political hopes or represents a return of political disappointment, nothing turns the nation’s attention to the White House like a new president. For those inspired by inauguration ceremonies or simply interested in American politics, film offers a great starting point. These four political films are worth the watch for anyone wanting to delve into the key players of American political history, get an inside scoop on the behind the scenes of the White House or merely escape to “simpler” political times.
“The American President” (1995)
Weaving in and out of the halls of the West Wing, “The American President” is a story of President Andrew Shepherd who faces a difficult decision between his political career and his controversial romantic relationship with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, played by Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, respectively.
Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Rob Reiner, the film is an idealistic depiction of what all Americans hope for in their government. President Shepherd is principled, honest and charming — what a dream. As a widower, beloved by the public, this incumbent sees re-election as a sure thing. However, when the opposing candidate Senator Bob Rumson, played by Richard Dreyfuss, uses Shepherd’s relationship with Sydney to turn the campaign into a character attack, the election becomes a riveting contest between a utopian President and a man symbolizing the nasty modern political age.
There is nothing not to love about this feel-good film made up of Sorkin’s notoriously clever dialogue, a star-studded cast featuring Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen and a budding romance. Moreover, “The American President” might just restore one’s faith in government.
“Lincoln” (2012)
Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, “Lincoln” is a critically acclaimed portrayal of President Lincoln’s mission to abolish slavery and secure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.
From his stunning physical transformation to his rallying speeches and inspiring confidence, Day-Lewis embodies Lincoln head to toe. This performance earned him his third well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Day-Lewis is accompanied by a strong supporting cast featuring Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field — both of whom were nominated for Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively, at the 2013 Academy Awards — along with James Spader, Hal Holbrook and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The chemistry between each of these performers’ unique characters makes “Lincoln” worth the watch for the acting alone.
From savvy manipulation to outright bribery, Lincoln and his allies play hardball politics, valuing the end of slavery above all. Both politically and personally, this moving plot is rich in lessons of leadership, morality and perseverance.
“Jackie” (2016)
After meeting POTUS, allow me to introduce his better half, the First Lady.
While the title “Jackie” suggests a full biopic, the film instead focuses on only a short slice of First Lady Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy’s life, played by Natalie Portman. Centered around an interview with Jackie a week after her husband’s assassination, the film retells this horrific historic event from the point of view of the First Lady, rather than the president.
Through nearly two hours of relentless agony, Natalie Portman’s constant tears and expressive eyebrows are the main characters of this film. Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2017 Academy Awards, Portman’s performance perfectly captures the grief of a widow matched with the responsibility of a First Lady.
Despite its morbid subject matter, the film is beautiful to look at, masterfully juxtaposing the glitz and glam of the buzzing Kennedy-era White House to the stark quiet and isolation of Jackie’s Cape Cod home after his murder. Director Pablo Larraín and cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine paint a stunning portrait that spans from the pink of Jackie’s infamous suit on assassination day to the hazy blue mist hanging over the film in the time that followed.
The film finds a new authenticity in Jackie, yet it also appears self-aware in its inability to reach this goal. Through Jackie’s most memorable line of the film — “I believe the characters we read on the page become more real than the men who stand beside us” — the filmmakers hint that their portrayals are mere shadows of the real people
“Vice” (2018)
Lastly, meet the politician who is second in line, but some would joke last in importance — the Vice President. While the VP is notoriously a do-nothing job, “Vice” tells the story of Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale, the man who is widely considered the most powerful Vice President in history.
Director Adam McKay is known for creating strong-willed political commentaries — like “The Big Short” and “Don’t Look Up” — and “Vice” is no exception. To say that “Vice” is two hours straight of scathing criticism is an understatement. With its painting of Cheney as a power-hungry, Machiavellian and heartless leader, it is not so much a character study as a character obliteration.
Whether one agrees with the criticisms the film makes on Cheney’s character or not, its flashy visuals and humorous storytelling are undoubtedly entertaining. McKay’s unique style jumps off the screen through visual gags, jolts in the timeline and the interplay of fiction and reality — at one point the Cheneys even break into Shakespearan soliloquy. All of these elements come together and create its unapologetic unconventionality.
Personal politics aside, “Vice” will certainly hook your attention and reel all audiences in. The film not only delves into Cheney’s impact on politics but also highlights the complex nature of political power dynamics and policy decisions we see today.
From the President sitting behind the Resolute Desk to the Vice President scurrying down the halls of the West Wing and the First Lady throwing a ball in the East Room, these films have brought the White House to life.
Read More
Hoo’s Watching: An Odyssey through Christopher Nolan’s films
By Zachary Geller | 3 days agoChristopher Nolan's next feature film will be an adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” an epic Greek poem from eighth century B.C.E. It is a Herculean task for any director, but if anyone can accomplish such a feat, it is Nolan.
On Repeat: affirming songs to embrace in 2025
By Manmayi Ghaisas | January 5, 2025These songs come from three different genres — country, synth-pop and pop — but they are all introspective, honest and reassuring.
Hoo’s Watching: “Juror #2” and the art of the legal drama
By Caroline Lee | January 4, 2025Just as “Juror #2” falls short in its reluctance to take risks, so do studios — in their unwillingness to produce conventional, crowd-pleasing, mid-budget dramas.
