W. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A frat boy accidentally becomes president and then tries to impress his dad by starting a war, but mostly just chokes on a pretzel.

🍿 W.: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Struggles

The film opens with George W. Bush’s (Josh Brolin) college years, highlighting his carefree and often reckless behavior. He struggles to find direction, bouncing between different ventures and grappling with the expectations of his prominent family. The narrative establishes a recurring theme: W.’s desire for his father’s approval.

Finding Purpose and Politics

Bush’s life takes a turn when he embraces sobriety and finds religion. This newfound purpose leads him to politics, surprising many who knew him in his younger years. The film depicts his initial foray into running for Congress, his marriage to Laura (Elizabeth Banks), and his later success as Governor of Texas.

The Road to the Presidency

The movie follows Bush’s ascent to the presidency, showcasing the strategies employed by his advisor Karl Rove (Toby Jones) and the dynamics within his campaign team. Key events, such as the controversial 2000 election, are touched upon, paving the way for his entrance into the White House.

The War on Terror and Iraq

A significant portion of the film centers around the events following the September 11th attacks and the subsequent decision to invade Iraq. The film shows the inner workings of the Bush administration, the influence of figures like Dick Cheney (Richard Dreyfuss) and Donald Rumsfeld (Scott Glenn), and the dissent from Colin Powell (Jeffrey Wright) regarding the justification for war.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George W. Bush (Josh Brolin): The film centers on George W. Bush’s life from his early years to his presidency, highlighting his relationship with his father and his decision-making during the Iraq War.
• Laura Bush (Elizabeth Banks): Laura Bush serves as a supportive and grounded figure in George W. Bush’s life, offering a calm contrast to his more impulsive tendencies.
• Dick Cheney (Richard Dreyfuss): As Vice President, Dick Cheney is portrayed as a powerful and influential figure in the Bush administration, advocating for a strong stance on foreign policy and national security.
• George H.W. Bush (James Cromwell): George H.W. Bush is depicted as a complex figure in his son’s life, influencing his decisions and actions, and contributing to George W. Bush’s personal and political ambitions.
• Colin Powell (Jeffrey Wright): Colin Powell, as Secretary of State, is presented as a voice of caution and reason within the Bush administration, often questioning the rush to war in Iraq.
• Karl Rove (Toby Jones): Karl Rove acts as Bush’s strategic advisor and is instrumental in guiding his political career, often manipulating situations to Bush’s advantage.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George W. Bush: “I’m the commander guy. See, I don’t need to explain; I do not need to justify.” – Expresses his decisive, sometimes unquestioning leadership style as president.
• George W. Bush: “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” – Delivers a polarizing statement reflecting the Bush administration’s stance on global terrorism post-9/11.
• George H.W. Bush: “I don’t have to be nice to you. You’re my son.” – Shows the cold, critical nature of his relationship with his son George W. Bush.
• Karl Rove: “I’m just a fairy spreading fairy dust all over you.” – Karl Rove’s describes his role as Bush’s political advisor

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25.1M
• Domestic Gross: $25.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $29.6M

💥 W. Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie when it first came out, and I was struck by how it tried to humanize someone I disagreed with so strongly. It’s not a perfect movie, but Brolin’s performance is captivating. There’s a scene where Bush is struggling to articulate his thoughts in a press conference, and you can almost feel his frustration. It made me think about the pressures of leadership and the complexities of judging someone’s legacy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Individuals interested in political biographies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Oliver Stone’s directing style”
  • “Those curious about the Bush presidency”
  • “Fans of Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, and Richard Dreyfuss.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of alcohol abuse”
  • “War violence”
  • “Political themes that may be sensitive to some viewers”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While Brolin delivers an uncanny impersonation, Stone’s film lacks a clear perspective, wavering between satire and sympathetic portraiture. The result is a watchable but ultimately unsatisfying biographical sketch.
• Rolling Stone: “Stone pulls no punches in depicting the Bush presidency, but surprisingly, the film avoids becoming a total hatchet job. Brolin is terrific, and the supporting cast is equally strong, even if the movie struggles to find a definitive take on its subject.
• Variety: “A surprisingly balanced and insightful look at George W. Bush, ‘W.’ benefits from Josh Brolin’s nuanced performance and Oliver Stone’s restraint. While it won’t change anyone’s political views, it offers a compelling character study.

Audience Reactions

Josh Brolin’s uncanny portrayal of George W. Bush was spot-on and captivating.: Viewers praised Josh Brolin’s performance, citing his accurate mannerisms and speech patterns, capturing the essence of George W. Bush.

The movie gives a glimpse into the human side of a controversial president.: Audiences appreciated that the film attempted to humanize a divisive political figure, exploring the motivations and relationships that shaped his presidency.

Overall Consensus: A mixed bag, ‘W.’ is praised for its performances, particularly Josh Brolin’s, but criticized for lacking a clear perspective and avoiding deeper analysis of Bush’s presidency.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Oliver Stone initially considered Christian Bale for the role of George W. Bush but ultimately cast Josh Brolin.”
• “Richard Dreyfuss described his experience working with Oliver Stone on this film as ‘the single worst experience I’ve ever had with an actor in my life.'”

🖥️ How to Watch W.?

W. is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and through other digital retailers. Check your local listings or streaming service catalogs for availability. DVD and Blu-ray copies may also be available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed W., you might like these similar films:

• Nixon (1995): Another biographical drama by Oliver Stone, exploring the life and presidency of Richard Nixon.
• Vice (2018): A satirical biographical drama focusing on Dick Cheney’s influential role in the Bush administration, offering a similar behind-the-scenes look at political power.
• Thirteen Days (2000): Depicts the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tense period of presidential decision-making, offering a comparison point for handling international crises.
• Game Change (2012): Focuses on the 2008 U.S. presidential election, particularly Sarah Palin’s role, providing a more recent perspective on American politics and media scrutiny.

🛒 W. Related Products

• George W. Bush: Decision Points: Former President George W. Bush’s memoir offers insights into key decisions during his presidency, providing context for events depicted in the movie.
• Oliver Stone Collection (Blu-ray): A collection of Oliver Stone’s most iconic films, offering a deeper understanding of his directorial style and political themes.
• Dick Cheney: In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir: Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s memoir offers his side of the story, shedding light on his role in the Bush administration and the decisions made during that period.
• W. Movie Poster: The theatrical poster of the movie ‘W.’, capturing the essence of Oliver Stone’s portrayal of George W. Bush.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Star Spangled Banner” – performed by Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Steve Bridges as President George W. Bush at WHCA Dinner 2006

Ever wondered what it was like to see George W. Bush get roasted? Check out Steve Bridges’ spot-on impression at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner – it’s hilarious and gives you a real feel for the political climate at the time.

George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush Go Hunting – SNL

Want to see Will Ferrell as George W. Bush trying to understand his dad, George H.W. Bush’s, presidential advice while hunting? This SNL sketch is comedy gold and perfect for a laugh after watching the movie!

First Presidential Debate: Al Gore and George W. Bush – SNL

Remember the 2000 election? This SNL sketch nails the first debate between Al Gore and George W. Bush. Will Ferrell’s Bush impression is seriously funny – you have to see it!

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