Anyway, I love a good pun title, and this one does it. Vice chronicles the political career of a Mr. Dick Cheney (you may have heard of him?), who served as vice president for not one, but TWO presidents named George Bush! Morphing himself into arguably the most powerful person to hold that office, he easily plays as a Shakespearean character. His vice? Greed, power...
But I will keep this brief and focused on the film. It is written and directed by Adam McKay, who also did The Big Short. In both films, he manages to break down a complicated subject in both instructional and entertaining ways. The topic and message he takes seriously, the film, not so much. Delightful pacing and fun departures from conventional film limitations.
Performances are astounding. Geeze, just look at the above image. The right is Christian Bale (WHAA?????) in an incredible transformation. He can play anything and anyone. (Just the day before seeing this, I had revisited a very young CB in Little Women.) Every tic, nuance, gesture and walk IS Dick Cheney.
Playing his wife, Lynn, is Amy Adams, and it's fun to see them paired again (American Hustle). Sam Rockwell (I'm a big fan) is flawless as George W., with Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld.
Cheney has always been a polarizing figure, and at last week's Golden Globe Awards, as the out-spoken Bale accepted the Best Actor Award, he thanked "Satan for his inspiration." Ouch. That brought out claws from daughter Liz Cheney the next day! Hahaha
Excellent film which manages to draw in today's national issues.
Hi Valerie: I still have to see this one. Yes indeed, Dick Cheney was quite a magnet for controversy. Definitely up there with the DC power-mongers. Actors: I SO agree with you about Christian Bale's talents. What an actor. Here's a funny one: I had NO idea he was British. When he acts, there's not a trace of the British accent, which is so strong when he is intereviewed. His best work in my mind: American Psycho. Amy Adams is also top-notch in my book. Do you know where she first gained popularity? Answer: As the sweet young thing with braces who was taken for the a ride by the fast-talking Leo DiCaprio in Catch me if you can. I will RUN out and see Vice. Thanks. David
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