Much has been written about Dick Cheney, vice president under G.W. Bush. He was probably the most powerful Veep, in the history of the U.S. At Yale he had difficulty concentrating on studies, more than likely because of drinking and playing. Back in Wyoming, according to the film, he was given an ultimatum by his fiancé to straighten up and do something with his life. The rest, they say, is history.
The film seemed almost like an impression of the Cheney years and a caricature of the man. One thing that can be said is that Christian Bale had studied the man and was superb in the role. Amy Adams pulled off Lynne Cheney and Steve Carrell was a gem in the role of Donald Rumsfeld.
All in all, it was politically scathing of the Republican presidents of the late 20th, early 21st centuries. For the conservatives, the reaction will be that it is an overzealous criticism and portrayal. For liberals, it will incite disgust and revulsion - a no win situation!
Cast
Christian Bale
as Dick Cheney
Amy Adams
as Lynne Cheney
Steve Carell
as Donald Rumsfeld
Sam Rockwell
as George W. Bush
Tyler Perry
as Colin Powell
Jesse Plemons
as Narrator
Alison Pill
as Mary Cheney
Lily Rabe
as Liz Cheney
Justin Kirk
as Scooter Libby
LisaGay Hamilton
as Condoleezza Rice
Shea Whigham
as Wayne Vincent
Eddie Marsan
as Paul Wolfowitz
Director
Adam McKay
What a powerful movie this was. It is definitely not for the faint at heart or those who might be disturbed by the use of the F word. Set in a very rural town of Ebbing, Missouri, it is the portrayal of a woman who has lost her daughter to burning in a fire after being raped. Her frustration with the local police results in an emotional act of renting 3 billboards that brings the police department and the sheriff to task for their lack of progress in solving the crime. Throughout there is depiction of rural racism, police brutality, alcoholism, marital strife, and empathy for the victim's family. Frances McDormand is beyond outstanding in her role as Mildred Hayes, as is Sam Rockwell playing the racist cop. Academy award nominations for sure.
Cast
-
Frances McDormand
as Mildred Hayes
-
Woody Harrelson
as Sheriff Bill Willoughby
-
Sam Rockwell
as Officer Jason Dixon
-
Abbie Cornish
as Anne
-
Caleb Landry Jones
as Red
-
Kathryn Newton
as Angela
-
Clarke Peters
as Abercrombie
Director
