The American President, starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Richard Dreyfuss, Martin Sheen & Michael J. Fox, is a poignant and romantic look into politics during the 90’s. With an all-star cast and great writing and directing American President is a pleasure to watch. It’s certainly one of those films you can watch over and over again and get the humor and life out of it every time.
The American President
4 Stars
I like how this discussion ignites between Michael Douglas and Annette Bening; the two really have a great flare between them, as their characters grow closer to one another.
President Andrew Shepherd: You’re attracted to me, but the idea of physical intimacy is uncomfortable because you only know me as the President. But it’s not always going to be that way, and the reason I know that is there was a moment last night when you were with ME, not the President. And I know what a big step that was for you. So, Sydney, I’m in no rush. Here’s my plan. We’re going to slow down, and when you’re comfortable, that’s when it’s going to happen.
[Sydney emerges from the bathroom wearing nothing but one of his shirts]
President Andrew Shepherd: Perhaps I didn’t properly explain the fundamentals of the slowdown plan.
Sydney Ellen Wade: [feeling the bed] No, you explained it great.
President Andrew Shepherd: Are you nervous?
Sydney Ellen Wade: No.
President Andrew Shepherd: Good. My nervousness exists on… several levels. Number one, and this is in no particular order, I haven’t done this in a pretty long time. Number two, uh, any expectations that you might have, given the fact that I’m… you know…
Sydney Ellen Wade: [approaching seductively] The most powerful man in the world?
President Andrew Shepherd: Exactly, thank you. I think it’s important you remember that’s a political distinction that comes
with the office. I mean, if, uh, Eisenhower were here instead of me, he’d be dead by now… and number three…
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Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), a dedicated Democrat, single father and the president of the United States, finds himself head over heels for lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), not only falling in love, but tripping over his presidency to court her. Sydney is shocked and really excited all at the same time when the president calls her apartment to ask her out on a date. Throughout their relationship, both must duck and dodge the political paparazzi and keep their names clean. With Sydney being a lobbyist, it’s hard to explain that she isn’t sleeping with the pres to get her way and with the new election coming up and Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss) trying to win the election; Andrew must watch his p’s and q’s. Bob spends most of the campaign politically and personally trashing Andrew, lowering his ratings, cause Andrew won’t fight dirty and won’t acknowledge the slanderous plows. Even after A.J. (Martin Sheen) and Lewis (Michael J. Fox), the presidents advisors, plea with him to stop dating Sydney during election time and confront Rumson and his attacks, Andrew still won’t back down. Finally he holds a conference that sets everything straight and puts Rumson in his place. In the process of putting Rumson in his place and setting things straight he was forced to turn down the bill the Sydney was lobbying for, which put a huge riff in their relationship. Of course, in the end, Andrew wins out and gets her flowers, she forgives and everybody is happy.
Great film, a real enjoyment to watch. Michael Douglas and Annette Bening have real talent and work well together.
Writer/director Sally Potter‘s Ginger & Rosa isn’t a bad film by any means, but it’s certainly more concerned with showcasing the talents of its actors (particularly its young leading lady) than presenting a compelling tale set in 1962 London against the backdrop of nuclear proliferation and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Anyone who has ever sat down to write has done so with the desire to see their creation burst from the page and come to life in front of their eyes. For Calvin Weir-Fields (
For ten years Diane Enlgish has been trying to get this remake of the 1939 film off the ground. Maybe she should have waited another decade or two. Here’s a chick flick’s chick flick (with nary a man to be seen). Despite having talent to spare there’s very little sign of life as the film comes in D.O.A.
