The Worst Film Ever

Simply A Masterpiece

Powerful

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

I am far too young to know the Monica Lewinsky/Bill Clinton scandal in detail, however, like most, I am aware of the basics surrounding it. What I found thoroughly enjoyable was the chance to watch the"supporting cast" during the scandal. Hilary Clinton, as portrayed by Hope Davis, was a pleasure to watch - especially so since she's currently running for President! I truly felt her emotions throughout the film. From steadfast support to shock, to shame and embarrassment - Hope Davis perfectly displayed them all. The chance to watch the relationship between Tony Blair and Bill Clinton was also immensely captivating. Again, Michael Sheen did an outstanding job of showing the audience Tony Blair's emotions throughout the film. It wasn't the absolute best adaptation from that time period that I have ever seen, but I believe it is well worth a watch. I greatly appreciated the outstanding performances of the cast as I watched the Clinton/Blair relationship form and evolve during the Lewinsky trial.

The film The special relationship is a sequel of the film The deal, which I also reviewed on IMDb. The Deal describes how Tony Blair attains the leadership of the English Labour Party. His competitor was Gordon Brown ("When Brown leaves the room, the lights go on"). In the sequel the first years of Blair in power as prime minister of England are depicted. The ideology of the old Labour Party had become totally obsolete, and thus Blair tried to modernize her. He was impressed by the ideas of the New Democrats, after their political break-through under Bill Clinton. The Special relationship tells how Clinton and Blair desire to introduce the doctrine of the New Democrats on a global scale. In England she is called the Third Way (compromise between old liberalism and conservatism). Note however the complaint of the English opposition: "Blair has done more U-turns than a dodgy plumber". Of course Clinton is even more ludicrous, due to his affair with Lewinsky. For instance, why does Clinton wear boxer shirts? To keep his ankles warm. Or, a majority of the American women replies to the question "Would you sleep with Clinton?" with "Never again". Nevertheless the producers manage to sketch a vivid and captivating picture of the association between the two leaders and their wives. Indeed the affair and the possible impeachment form a part of the story. Of course the conversations are fictitious, so that realism is not guaranteed. Undoubtedly the importance of Blair is exaggerated, for instance when one of his ministers says: "In the public approval you (Blair) are the number one leader of the world". This mild form of nationalism may be repugnant for American viewers. But the producers are realistic enough to admit that Clinton possesses more power. Blair remains the junior partner. For me as a European is was strange to see the contempt of Blair with respect to the French president Chirac. Still this may be true. Certainly the support of Blair for the American invasion in Irak made him very unpopular on the Continent. In conclusion, The special relationship may stick to the English point of view, but it is made with skill and therefore recommendable. Don't forget to leave comments. I love it.

I was surprised to find out how good this political drama was going to be. I did not expect much, but received quite a solid political drama.First I am curious how truthful are these political conversations and events depicted in the film. I always wondered and I am still wondering how much depth script writers have when they write political drama like this? How much real truth do we get? I never had a chance to find that out and probably never will.Plot is interesting and the fact that USA and the UK considered ground troops and full invasion of Serbia is still a novelty to me. I never knew that was on the table. I am sorry they did not go with the full invasion and occupation of Serbia, like they did with Germany and Japan in WWII. It just shows to us how impotent Western powers can be sometimes. Serbia deserved to be demoted to the third! Full stop! Actin is still something to be desired in this film. Only actors who acted Tony Blair and Cherry Blair were up to par. The rest of the actors, I am not sure, I would not cast them again.All in all if you like political drama this is a film for you.

It seems movie reviews of this work are subject to the politics and realities of the event rather than the recreation and acting of this surprisingly good story. Dennis Quaid, who I've never seen do anything above mediocre work usually just mirroring himself, was just outstanding as Bill Clinton. I think it is by far his best piece of acting to date. Equally so for Michael Sheen who I am less familiar with. Both men did a good job of presenting the personalities, complexities and subtleties of each leader. "Hillary Clinton" didn't just look the part - she was Hillary (at least what we know of her). Bill was presented as the smart politician sleaze ball and failed leader of lost promise that he was. Tony Blair is presented as both a promising leader and sympathetic character doomed to eventual destruction. The story was able to project all this in its short 90 minutes. On top of that it was educational to boot. Good job!