Film Review: W.

About W. (2008) Whether you love him or hate him, there is no question that George W. Bush is one of the most controversial public figures in recent memory. In an unprecedented undertaking, acclaimed director Oliver Stone brings the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can. W takes viewers through Bush’s eventful life — his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to Bush’s decision to invade Iraq.

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Hanks, Toby Jones

Directed by: Oliver Stone

Runtime: 129 minutes

Studio: Lions Gate

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Review: W.

Oliver Stone’s biopic offers a summary of the life of American president, George W. Bush (Josh Brolin), alternating between showing us his background and taking us to the present day where Bush is preparing to take his country to war in Iraq. The character of Bush prior to becoming one of the most powerful men in the world is one of disappointment and frequent failure. On more than one occasion, Bush has to be bailed out of a tight spot by his father, George H.W. Bush (James Cromwell), who is rising steadily through the political ranks and will eventually become President in 1988 only to be defeated by Bill Clinton in 1992. George W. Bush is maladjusted after his time at Harvard and Yale where he is well-liked by his peers. He attempts a series of jobs, including an oil rig, but always ends up quitting, frustrating his father even more.

Not all is bad for Bush though. We see how he meets his wife, Laura (Elizabeth Banks) in the 1970s but this coincides with his failure at an election in Texas where he loses to a Democratic candidate. If that isn’t bad enough, Bush is plagued by drinking problems but finally begins to turn his life around in the 1980s when he gives up alcohol and finds God. Despite assisting the presidential campaign, Bush remains in his father’s shadow, even more so when he watches him win the 1988 election and become the American President. In the 1990s Bush finally gets his break when he becomes Governor of Texas but he already has both eyes on the White House. As the story of Bush’s life is told we focus also on the present where he is firm and decisive in going to war in Iraq only for the failure to unearth WMDs coming back to haunt him. While the film doesn’t cover every part of Bush’s eight years in power, we do get a summary of some of the key moments.

Stone’s biopic will inevitably divide the critics. Fans of Bush may not like some of the depictions of him here while those who were against him may also be unimpressed with a film about his life. Personally, I found this to be an interesting biopic which shed more light on the man. It hasn’t changed my perception of him either way but it’s still an interesting piece, covering many of the controversies during Bush’s tenure but avoiding such areas as his response to 9/11 and his questionable victory over Al Gore in 2000. Brolin is excellent in the lead and is ably supported by an impressive cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Jeffrey Wright and Thandie Newton.

W. is a very good biopic of a President that divided America greatly during his time in power. Whether you’re a fan of Bush or not, Stone’s film has a lot of insight to offer into his character. It won’t alter your perception of him as a man and as a President but it remains a thought-provoking piece.

Verdict: 4/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)

About the Author:

I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.

David M. Brown – who has written 788 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.

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