In the film “W.” director Oliver Stone (“Nixon JFK”) creates another captivating “based-on-a-true-story” biography of an American president. As expected Stone occasionally pokes fun at President George W. Bush played by Josh Brolin (“No Country for Old Men”). However these humorous scenes are few and focus more on Bush’s comical idiosyncrasies than on his life. That being said the film is a serious drama and one of deep psychological and emotional depth. And even more surprising is the fact that for the most part Stone attempts to portray Bush in an unbiased light revealing not only his weaknesses and mistakes but also playing up his talents. The film although dramatized is nonetheless a relatively accurate portrayal of the events of his life. The film attempts of course to understand the psyche of Bush such as his insecurities regarding his father’s disapproval. These are artistic liberties as no one can know the mind of Bush exactly. But besides these artistic licenses in the demeanor of the characters (most notably Vice President Dick Cheney played by Richard Dreyfuss) the film is relatively accurate and surprisingly quite touching. The acting is extraordinary the scenes poignant and overall the film is just short of a masterpiece within the Oscar spirit. The most intriguing aspects of the film are the multiple cabinet meetings which included Karl Rove (Toby Jones) Donald Rumsfeld (Scott Glenn) Condoleezza Rice (Thandie Newton) Colin Powell (Jeffrey Wright “Casino Royale”) and the influential Cheney. In one particular emotive scene in the Iraq meeting Colin Powell stands up and challenges the rest of the cabinet for its premature decision to invade Iraq without having evidence of WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction). He continues with a powerful monologue detailing his distress over preemptive warfare and explaining how the cabinet should be positive that the weapons exist before they put young American lives at risk. To counteract his speech Cheney explains the strategic reasons besides WMDs for invading Iraq – most notably drilling for oil and controlling the Middle East. Another important characteristic of the film centers on the psychology of Bush’s strained relationship with his father George Bush Sr. (James Cromwell “L.A. Confidential”). From his early frat days until the Iraq War Bush’s character flaws are portrayed by Stone as the direct result of his coping with the disapproval of his father. He runs for governor President and even invades Iraq. The film implies this all derives from their failed relationship. He just wants to prove that he is just as responsible as his younger brother Jeb.
The single greatest quality of this film however is Stone’s portrayal of Bush as a complex character. There are multiple scenes that show his arrogance and stubbornness and others that reveal his good-hearted nature and compassion. In one of these scenes Bush talks to his ever-supportive wife Laura about his successes and failures as president and how he only wanted to help America and the world become a safer place – all the while moving his fingers across the increased wrinkles on his forehead. This scene was not only a poignant representation of the hardships Bush has had to endure but also of the unbearable position and responsibility of president of the United States. This film is not a bash on President Bush but an attempt to reveal the mind and heart that make him tick. It’s not an attempt to label Bush as a bad man or a good man but to show his complexity and the multiple challenges he has faced in his life. “W.” is a magnificent film – it will make a person cry and laugh but most importantly it will make audiences think. And it may even evoke some sincere sympathy for our commander in chief.