Friday, April 6, 2012

Cajun Style!

THE WAR ROOM (1993)
Criterion Collection

Dir. Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker


At a brisk 95 minutes, ‘The War Room’ is an engaging and informative behind-the-scenes look at the 1992 presidential campaign of then-governor Bill Clinton, from his shaky beginnings in the democratic primaries to his landslide victory against incumbent George H. W. Bush on election night. The events that unfold throughout out the campaign are seen primarily from the perspective of Clinton’s Director of Communications, George Stephanopoulos, and a fiery Lead Strategist by the name of James Carville, introduced as the Ragin’ Cajun. Both men have since become household names in the American political sphere, but the documentary affords the audience the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse of the incredibly bright, ambitious, charismatic and visionary minds behind the very successful campaign that reminded the voters that “It’s the economy, stupid” and circumvented the attacks from the Bush campaign on Clinton’s character, including numerous allusions to the draft.


In stark contrast to most contemporary documentaries, no names appear onscreen to guide the audience through the numerous cast of characters on either side of the political spectrum, but dedicated CNN viewers and other political enthusiasts will recognize less well-known personalities such as Paul Begala and John King. The film also focuses briefly on Mary Matalin, the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Bush/Quayle ticket and Carville’s significant other. The relationship between the two has always been the subject of much interest, due to their vast political differences, and the film shows both in peak form attacking the other side in their professional roles, while keeping their personal relationship intact. There is ample footage of the politicians themselves, including Clinton and his family, but the hub of activity and excitement is the War Room itself, where the campaign strategy sessions occur, not to mention the campaign offices, where the many unnamed staff and volunteers work tirelessly alongside Stephanopoulos and Carville towards the common goal. ‘The War Room’ is a feat, not least of all because it shows the audience how campaigns were run before the advent of the 24-hour news cycle. American politics has changed significantly since the events of this film, and Hegedus and Pennebaker have created a piece of work that perfectly encapsulates the state of American political discourse at a crucial point in recent history. It is valuable viewing for all.

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