Journeys With George
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Movie Reviews of Journeys With George
Movie Review: W stands for "wink wink"
Summary: 5 Stars
At the end of the year-long tour, a vaguely depressed Richard Wolffe muses that the Gore press corps went a lot harder on Gore, their critical look at the candidate coming through clearly in their stories about his campaign. "We spent a lot of time on trivial things," Wolffe says, "frankly because Bush charmed the pants off of us."
It got me wondering, re-evaluating Bush in a different light. Maybe he is a much more shrewd politician than I ever thought him to be. I always thought of him as a frat boy/puppet who did what he was told by his elders (Karen Hughes, Dick Cheney, etc.). But how much of this "charm" we see in the movie is calculated? How much effort went into charming the press away from looking closer, seeing Bush's dogma, his lack of insight or reflection, the intensity of his religious fervor which would eventually move this country away from the value of "separation of church and state." We see a flirty, goofy, 50-something frat boy who charms everyone around him. While people are laughing and winking at this charismatic fellow, he manipulates a win for the U.S. presidency. You watch this movie either laughing in surprise at his playfulness, or shaking your head in disgust at his childishness, but you don't see much of what emerges in the next two terms of his presidency. I found it a fascinating look at how politics and politicians work, underneath the facade.
Movie Review: Liberal Media a Myth
Summary: 5 Stars
This documentary is excellent as we witness Pelosi's first hand experience on the campaign trail of then Presidential candidate George W Bush. Contrary to the belief that mainstream media is liberally biased, we see that the reporters who traveled with Bush tended to favor him personally, and therefore were reluctant to seriously challenge him. We also understand that any questions that were considered challenging resulted in "punishment" from George W Bush. If he didn't appreciate a question (for example with regard to his execution record as Governor of Texas), then he would clam up and the reporter would not be able to get any access to futher information for reporting and stories. On the other hand, we learn that the reportors on the campaign trail with Al Gore, found him personally unlikable - and Gore's reportors therefore tended to cover him in a more negative manner. It is astounding that these men and their personal ability to charm carried a greater influence than policy or governing beliefs when it came to coverage by the media. This DVD is a must see...I found Bush's behavior personally revolting. He reminded me of a spoiled frat boy who always thinks he's the funniest guy in the room when we know he's not. Now this man is the Leader of the Free World. It's quite concerning to say the least.Movie Review: one of my favorite political docs.
Summary: 5 Stars
It's hard to think about George W. Bush pre-9/11 and pre-Iraq. Both of those events have had such a huge impact on his presidency that what happened before them seems like a very very long time ago.
I think that this was a great film not only because of the rawness of it, but because it showed the relationship between politics and the media in a way that no other film or book has done, at least in my opinion. Yes, Bush was arguably the star of the movie, but seeing how he interacted with the media was more interesting than the campaign itself. Watching him with the reporters, I could see that this was part of the reason he won (yes, there were many reasons...Florida...). This film couldn't have been made with Gore; it simply would not have worked.
Looking back, I am struck at how comfortable and jovial he seemed with the media back then. His administration today is one of the most secretive and hostile towards the press that has ever come along. I think he would be in much better shape if he looked back to this film and took some notes.
All in all, this is a great film. Anyone who is even remotely interested in politics/presidency/campaigns, etc would enjoy it I believe.
Movie Review: Thank you Alexandra Pelosi
Summary: 5 Stars
I was delighted to spend 75 minutes watching Alexandra Pelosi's documentary.
Versus the alternative of wasting a year of my life to learn just the following. That U.S. politics is like making sausages. The result may even appear edible but you don't want any part in the manufacturing process. I am amazed and grateful someone did. As will you be.
It is very funny. Plus she has the wit to talk frequently to the smartest man on the plane, or the most brutally honest, the Financial Times's correspondent who, as a foreigner, is more than forthright about the imbecility of the entire process.
That the candidate appears to be normal is fascinating in light of the events that followed. Very good with people; as he says, smarter than he looks; but he never looks less than smart anyway.
It begs the question of the importance of character, the trustworthiness of advisers, the agendas of power factions and the myriad pitfalls surrounding any holder of the office of U.S. President. Any further comment would require reference to Greek Gods and Goddesses, tragedies, comedies and or disasters. (Enough already. Ed).
Thank you Alexandra
Movie Review: Wonderful, rare look behind the scenes
Summary: 5 Stars
Besides highlighting President Bush's warmth, and lack of pompsity, it is a rare look inside a presidential campaign. Ms.Pelosi, though poking fun at the President from time to time, actually crafts a rather positive picture of him. I was impressed at her ability to put aside her misgivings and bias feelings while shooting. In doing so she showed what many of us in this country today do not get, which is that we can maintain friendships with one another despite political differences. It was fun to see her develop what seemed like genuine affection for President Bush, and him for her as well. It was the kind of glimpse into a campaign that we just cannot get in political science classes or textbooks. Despite what became a rather intense campaign, these people really came together, and managed to stay light hearted no matter how tired or frustrated they became. Whether you are a Bush fan or not, it was a truly humorous, entertaining, and enlightening documentary. Hats off to Ms.Pelosi!!!