Bulworth Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A senator hires a hitman to kill himself, then decides he likes being alive and tries to cancel the hit while simultaneously becoming a rapping political sensation.

🍿 Bulworth: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Senator’s Crisis

Senator Jay Bulworth, a disillusioned politician facing financial ruin, takes a drastic step by hiring a hitman to end his own life. This decision stems from his deep dissatisfaction with the compromises he’s made throughout his career and the feeling of being trapped in a corrupt system. He sees it as a way to provide for his family through a life insurance policy.

Truth in Hip-Hop

Liberated by his impending death, Bulworth begins to speak his mind freely, using hip-hop rhythms to express his raw, unfiltered thoughts. This newfound honesty shocks his handlers and audiences, but also starts to resonate with the public, especially marginalized communities. His speeches touch upon issues of race, class, and corporate influence in politics.

Romance and Renewal

As Bulworth embraces his newfound authenticity, he develops a relationship with Nina, a young woman from South Central Los Angeles. This relationship further exposes him to the realities of urban life and fuels his desire to fight for social justice. Nina’s influence helps him rediscover his passion for politics and find a renewed sense of purpose.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jay Bulworth (Warren Beatty): A disillusioned Democratic senator who hires a hitman to kill himself, leading him to speak his mind freely, often through rap.
• Nina (Halle Berry): A young activist who becomes romantically involved with Bulworth and is initially contracted to assassinate him.
• Dennis Murphy (Oliver Platt): Bulworth’s campaign manager who struggles to control the senator’s increasingly outrageous behavior.
• L.D. (Don Cheadle): A local drug kingpin whose world intersects with Bulworth’s, offering a glimpse into the realities of South Central L.A.
• Constance Bulworth (Christine Baranski): Jay Bulworth’s wife, who maintains a facade of marital harmony despite having affairs.
• Graham Crockett (Paul Sorvino): An agent of the insurance company lobbyists who shoots Bulworth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sen. Jay Billington Bulworth: “Obscenity? The rich is getting richer and richer and richer while the middle class is getting more poor…” – This extended rap encapsulates Bulworth’s unfiltered critique of wealth inequality and political corruption.
• Sen. Jay Billington Bulworth: “We need a voluntary, free-spirited, open-ended program of procreative racial deconstruction. Everybody just gotta keep fuckin’ everybody ’til they’re all the same color.” – Bulworth’s controversial solution to racial tensions, delivered with provocative bluntness.
• L.D.: “How’s a young man gonna meet his financial responsibilities workin’ at motherfuckin’ Burger King? He ain’t!” – L.D. explains the limited opportunities available to young men, driving them to the drug trade.
• Old man: “You got to be a spirit! You can’t be no ghost.” – The vagrant’s advice serves as a metaphor for Bulworth’s transformation and the need to leave a lasting impact.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $26,528,185
• Worldwide Gross: $29,202,884

💥 Bulworth Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Bulworth’ is a trip! I remember seeing it in the theater and being completely shocked. Warren Beatty just goes for it, and some of it is hilarious, and some is just plain uncomfortable, but I couldn’t look away. The scene where he starts rapping at the black church is iconic, and it really made me question a lot of things about politics and race. It’s definitely not a perfect movie, but it’s unforgettable. I walked out feeling challenged and also kind of confused, but in a good way.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political satire”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Those who appreciate Warren Beatty’s work”
  • “People who enjoy films with a blend of comedy and drama”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual references”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Warren Beatty’s ‘Bulworth’ is a provocative, albeit uneven, satire that bites off more than it can chew. The film’s audacious premise is let down by a somewhat muddled execution, but Beatty’s performance remains captivating.
• The New York Times: “A daring and original political satire, ‘Bulworth’ fearlessly confronts race, class, and political hypocrisy with wit and sharp commentary. Beatty’s bold choices both in front of and behind the camera make for a uniquely compelling film experience.
• Los Angeles Times: “‘Bulworth’ is a well-intentioned yet ultimately flawed film. Beatty’s ambition is admirable, but the film’s reach exceeds its grasp. Although thought-provoking, it suffers from tonal inconsistencies and an overreliance on shock value.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were divided on the movie’s boldness and perceived racial insensitivity.: Many praised the film’s willingness to tackle difficult issues, while others found it offensive and preachy.

Beatty’s performance was either praised for its audacity or criticized for being tone-deaf.: Many admired Warren Beatty’s commitment to the character, while some found the performance off-putting and inauthentic.

Overall Consensus: ‘Bulworth’ is a polarizing political satire that sparks debate and elicits strong reactions, though its effectiveness is debated.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Aaron Sorkin and James Toback performed uncredited rewrites on the script, adding to the film’s sharp dialogue and political satire.”
• “Warren Beatty is credited as a writer and performer for the song ‘Bulworth Breakdown’.”
• “The film’s ending leaves Bulworth’s fate ambiguous, prompting discussions about his impact and legacy.”
• “The movie was shot in Los Angeles, California.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bulworth?

Bulworth is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability. It is often available for purchase in digital or physical formats as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bulworth, you might like these similar films:

• Network (1976): Shares a similar theme of a media personality breaking free from constraints and speaking uncomfortable truths to the public.
• Bob Roberts (1992): Another political satire that uses music (folk in this case) to convey its message, though from a more conservative viewpoint.
• Wag the Dog (1997): Presents a cynical view of politics and media manipulation, albeit with a different focus on manufactured crises.
• The Great Dictator (1940): It is a satire of political figures and their actions and the story has comedic elements.

🛒 Bulworth Related Products

• Bulworth [Blu-ray]: Experience Warren Beatty’s controversial satire in stunning high definition. Enjoy crisp visuals and enhanced audio for a more immersive viewing experience.
• Bulworth Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original ‘Bulworth’ movie poster. Perfect for displaying your love for this iconic film.
• Warren Beatty: A Life: Explore the life and career of Warren Beatty in this comprehensive biography. Discover the story behind ‘Bulworth’ and other memorable films.
• Hip Hop Evolution (Netflix Series): Bulworth was heavily inspired by Hip-Hop culture. Explore the history of hip-hop with this award-winning Netflix docuseries. Discover the artists, the music, and the cultural impact of the genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bulworth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “N 2 Gether Now” – performed by Limp Bizkit
• “It’s Going Down” – performed by Cypress Hill
• “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” – performed by Pras Feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard & Mya
• “Another Man” – performed by Wyclef Jean

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I Hated, Hated, Hated, This Movie || Roger Ebert

Ever wondered what a legendary film critic thought of Bulworth? Roger Ebert didn’t hold back, and his review is definitely worth a listen, even if you loved the movie!

Bulworth – This Aged Great!

Is Bulworth still relevant today? This comedy review hilariously dissects the film’s themes and asks if it aged like fine wine or sour milk. You might be surprised by their verdict!

Bulworth on Racial Deconstruction

Want a quick, thought-provoking take on Bulworth’s most controversial and insightful scene? Check out this clip where the senator lays out his (slightly absurd) plan to end racism. It’s surprisingly relevant!

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