|
|
|
Death
of a President
(2006)
If I were to slip into a coma sometime before
the events in this film are purported to take place (October
19, 2007) and awaken years from now to Death of a President playing
on my bedside television, I wouldn't doubt its validity in
the slightest. This fictional documentary (different
from a mockumentary) is an after-the-fact look at the assassination
of U.S. President George W. Bush, delving not only into the
motives for such a crime, but the political and personal ramifications
of his death. While the thought of a film depicting the murder
of a real person (and a prominent public figure at that) may
seem irresponsible and in poor taste, the film makes a unique
and powerful political statement not only about current policies
and personalities, but about what the effects would be were
countless disgruntled Americans given their secret wish a nation
not ruled by Bush.
In the style of many an investigative documentary, Death of a President utilizes
archive footage (in this case it's real, just used out of context)
and interviews with involved parties (incredibly believable
actors in fictitious roles) to create a strong sense of realism.
It's hard to believe when watching it that these events didn't take place, and that the interviews and footage aren't as true as any news magazine on CNN. The talking head segments are written and performed perfectly, and are incredibly moving throughout the film. They serve primarily to show how such events and their political and social repercussions would resonate with real people in their personal lives.
Because the retrospective, investigative documentary format adds a certain distance between the viewer and the events on screen, the film hits home even harder. Seeing a fictional 20/20 hindsight of current events such as the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, and the personalities of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney makes the political slant of the film more palateable because it doesn't feel as forced and opinionated as something by, say, Michael Moore. The real genius of Death of a President is that, through fictionalizing this high level assassination, they are able to delve deeply and (seemingly) non-judgementally into the causes and effects of real life current events that aren't invented for the film. Co-writer/director Gabriel Range's astute analysis of all the topics covered stands on par with the most experienced and trusted political advisor or media pundit.
While optimistic Bush-haters might be dissappointed in the tone of the film, which centers on the real tragedy and horror of the death of a president is, doing so adds volumes of credibility to the film. Were the movie to celebrate the fictional assassination, it would not only be irresponsible filmmaking, but a weak political argument, because it would be so clearly biased against the current administration. In the spirit of journalistic neutrality, only the fictionalized results of make all the judgements, and it's clear that killing Bush would only heighten the very problems which might motivate one to commit such an act in the first place.
My personal political views aside, the film makes an incredibly effective statement on Bush's policy, personality, and political current events. Results of Bush's death (which is motivated by the War in Iraq) include strengthening of the Patriot Act, further racial stereotyping against Muslims, and more of Cheney's trademark "find me a link" backwards investigating. The film opens and closes with an interview with a Muslim woman who asks the killer if he had ever considered the real consequences of his actions. This question is the real thrust of the film, and while the topic and message of the movie might appeal primarily to progressive liberals, it makes it very clear that even bad policies can be made worse when chaos and anarchy are the answer.
Had Death of a President been more widely released, and had I been able to see it in its original theatrical run last year, it would certainly have made the top half of my annual Best of 2006 list. Regardless of my rankings, this is a film which will resonate with me, and which I won't soon forget, even if I don't have a list reminding me over time what a great film it was. Range's work here is one of the best political films of all time, and an important (though controversial) page in the annals of cinema.
-Mark
Moreland
|
|
|
|
All contents ©
2004-2009 Thoughtsonfilm.com |
|
|
 |
Director:
Gabriel
Range
Writer: Gabriel
Range, Simon French
Starring: Hend
Ayoub, Brian Boland, Becky Ann Baker, Robert Mangiardi, James Urbaniak,
Jay Patterson, Jay Whittaker
Distributor: Newmarket Films
Runtime: 90
min
Rating: R
Release Date: October
27, 2006
|
|
 |
|
