Vice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dick Cheney drinks, gets told to not drink by his wife, and then proceeds to become the most powerful Vice President ever and basically runs the country, all while having multiple heart attacks and shooting his friends; it’s basically a political superhero origin story, but for evil.

🍿 Vice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Career

The film opens with Dick Cheney’s early life in Wyoming, marked by struggles with alcoholism and a lack of direction. Encouraged by his ambitious wife, Lynne, he enters politics, landing a White House internship during the Nixon administration. He quickly learns the ropes from Donald Rumsfeld, becoming a savvy political operative.

Rise to Power

Cheney’s career ascends through various administrations, including serving as Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and later as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush. He navigates the political landscape, often driven by Lynne’s ambition and strategic guidance. These early experiences shape his understanding of power and influence.

Vice Presidency

The film focuses on Cheney’s role as Vice President under George W. Bush. Recognizing Bush’s disinterest in policy details, Cheney seizes the opportunity to wield immense influence, particularly in energy and foreign policy. He assembles a team of loyal advisors to execute his vision, often pushing the boundaries of executive power.

9/11 and the War on Terror

The September 11 attacks provide Cheney with the justification to pursue an aggressive foreign policy agenda. He spearheads the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, leading to significant loss of life and long-term consequences. The film explores the ethical and moral implications of these decisions, highlighting the controversial tactics employed during the War on Terror.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dick Cheney (Christian Bale): An unassuming and ambitious bureaucrat who rises to become the most powerful Vice President in US history.
• Lynne Cheney (Amy Adams): Dick Cheney’s equally ambitious and politically savvy wife, who supports and influences his career.
• Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell): Cheney’s mentor and colleague, a politically shrewd and abrasive figure who shapes Cheney’s approach to power.
• George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell): The relatively inexperienced president who chooses Cheney as his running mate, granting him immense power.
• Mary Cheney (Alison Pill): Dick and Lynne’s younger daughter who is gay, whose sexuality causes conflict within the family and political arena.
• Kurt (Jesse Plemons): The narrator and a fictitious veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, whose heart is eventually transplanted into Cheney.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dick Cheney: “I believe in a strong, assertive foreign policy.” – Expresses Cheney’s fundamental belief and justification for his hawkish approach to international relations.
• Dick Cheney: “We have to live in a world that is, not a world that should be.” – Reflects Cheney’s pragmatic and often ruthless approach to decision-making, prioritizing realpolitik over idealism.
• Dick Cheney: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Demonstrates Cheney’s drive for power and disregard for traditional limitations.
• Dick Cheney: “I have no regrets.” – Said directly to the camera, this defiant statement encapsulates Cheney’s unwavering conviction in his actions, despite the criticism and controversy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $47,836,282
• Worldwide Gross: $76,073,488

💥 Vice Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘Vice’. Christian Bale’s transformation is unreal – he completely disappears into the role of Dick Cheney. I found the way the movie explained complex political issues really engaging, especially how Cheney manipulated his way into more power. There’s a scene where Cheney and Rumsfeld are talking about power, it felt like a master class in political maneuvering. It’s a movie that will make you think and maybe even feel a bit uncomfortable, but it’s definitely worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in political dramas and biopics.”
  • “Fans of Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Steve Carell.”
  • “Those intrigued by modern American history and the Bush administration.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes including politics and war”
  • “Some disturbing images and thematic elements”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Bale’s transformation is uncanny, and the film’s sharp wit makes even the darkest moments strangely compelling. McKay doesn’t shy away from his own biases, but he presents a complex portrait of a man who shaped modern America.
• The New York Times: “Vice is a mess of a film, but a fascinating one. McKay’s stylistic choices are sometimes jarring, but they keep you engaged. The acting is superb, especially from Bale and Adams, even if the script sometimes falters.
• Los Angeles Times: “A searing and darkly comedic look at Dick Cheney, ‘Vice’ is both entertaining and deeply unsettling. Adam McKay’s unique style, combined with incredible performances, makes this a must-see examination of power.

Audience Reactions

Bale’s acting was incredible!: Most viewers praised the phenomenal acting, especially Christian Bale’s portrayal of Dick Cheney, noting his complete transformation and commitment to the role.

The satirical and dark humor was on point.: Many appreciated the film’s satirical approach and dark humor, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking, despite the heavy subject matter.

Overall Consensus: Viewers are divided; some love its sharp wit and brilliant performances, while others find it biased and disjointed. Christian Bale’s acting is universally praised.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)- 2019
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 2019
3. BAFTA Award (Best Editing)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christian Bale underwent a significant physical transformation for the role of Dick Cheney, gaining weight and altering his posture to more closely resemble the former Vice President.”
• “Director Adam McKay employed a non-linear narrative style with frequent cutaways and unconventional storytelling techniques to reflect the complex and often opaque nature of Cheney’s influence.”
• “The film features a ‘fake’ ending midway through, with credits rolling before continuing the story, a stylistic choice designed to surprise and disorient the audience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Vice?

Vice is available to stream on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where it may be available for rent or purchase. Check local listings for cable availability. You can also buy or rent the movie through various online retailers like Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Big Short (2015): Also directed by Adam McKay, this film uses a similar comedic and informative style to explain the 2008 financial crisis.
• W. (2008): Oliver Stone’s biopic of George W. Bush offers a different perspective on the Bush administration, exploring the president’s life and decisions.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A dark satire exploring the dangers of political hubris and unchecked power during the Cold War, resonating with themes in Vice.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): This film depicts the hunt for Osama bin Laden and raises questions about the ethics and consequences of government actions in the name of national security, a theme also present in Vice.

🛒 Vice Related Products

• No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden: A gripping first-hand account by a Navy SEAL operator who participated in Operation Neptune Spear, providing an insider’s perspective on the raid that brought down Osama Bin Laden. This book provides insight into the world shaped by some of Cheney’s decisions.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Political Figures – Dick Cheney: A Funko Pop! figure of Dick Cheney. A stylized figure standing 3.75 inches tall, perfect for collectors and fans of the movie. It is a fun way to remember this controversial figure.
• Game of War: Fire Age: A strategy game where players build empires, forge alliances, and engage in epic battles for world domination. Inspired by themes of power and strategy, similar to political games depicted in ‘Vice’. Available as a free-to-play mobile game with in-app purchases. The games encourage strategic thinking and the ruthless pursuit of power.
• House of Cards: The Complete Series: All seasons of the acclaimed political drama focusing on power, ambition, and corruption within the U.S. government. Delve deeper into the world of political intrigue with a series that explores the dark side of power.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On” – performed by Hank Locklin
• “String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 18 No. 3: IV. Allegro molto” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “Drunken Sailor” – performed by Traditional

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

🤨 FAQ

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