GAME CHANGE is based on the book of the same title which tells the story of the end of the 2008 Presidential campaign. The “game change” is the McCain Inner Circle’s decision to choose Sarah Palin as their vice-presidential running mate. The strategy was to tap into the women’s vote, but Palin’s behavior during the final months of the campaign really did change the game. Julianne Moore delivers a strong performance as Sarah Palin. Ed Harris is credible (and sympathetic as John McCain). Woody Harrelson surprised me with his excellent portrayal of chief McCain aide Steve Schmidt. Game Change presents the high-pressure dynamics of a Presidential campaign, warts and all. Don’t miss this! GRADE: A
Although I thought the acting was fine, I don’t think they really got to the real Sarah Palin. Maybe there is none. Also I found it awfully sympathetic to McCann who botched his own campaign too. And it was pretty familiar stuff for anyone who lived through that campaign. Woody was terrific though. A real surprise in that role. So I’d give it a B.
Like you, I think Sarah Palin is an enigma, Patti. Julianne Moore did the best should could with that complicated role. You’re right about GAME CHANGE being very pro-McCain. Woody was the big surprise to me. A brilliant performance!
Morning Joe has been touting it for weeks – of course the authors are regulars on the show – and basically said that Woody was the standout as Schmidt. I think you’re right, Patti, about Palin. There’s no ‘there’ there as Gertrude Stein once famously said (about Oakland, I believe).
MSNBC has been hyping GAME CHANGE for weeks, Jeff. As you point out, the authors and Schmidt are regulars on many of the MSNBC shows. Even Palin supporters have to like Julianne Moore’s performance.
No matter how good the acting is, I have absolutely no interest in seeing this movie–we lived through the nightmare of it four years ago and have to re-live it every day with the overt d ignorance and racism of the Tea Party, et al. If his choice of a woman completely unprepared to hold national office is any indication of how John McCain uses his gut instincts to make decisions, thank God he didn’t win the election.
I agree with you, Deb. The decision to choose Sarah Palin was disastrous to the McCain campaign. GAME CHANGE shows how the campaign swirled out of control. But it also presents the origins of the Tea Party movement. You can’t ask for a more compelling political movie than GAME CHANGE.
Barbara watched it last night – I was reading – and said it “was pretty good”, which is medium to high praise from her. She said Harrelson was good, too. It’s being repeated, but I doubt I’ll watch. Politics just usually gives me an ulcer, which is why election years are hard on me and I hide away with a book.
I’m a sucker for any “behind-the-scenes” movie, Rick. And I’m a political junkie. We have MSNBC on all the time (although I usually have a book in my lap). Barbara is right: Woody Harrelson delivered a startling performance.