Sixteen years after its release, "The American President" is still topical. If it were released today, it would be reflective of our current political landscape.
As a story, this has it all: a well paced plot, a problematic love affair, dirty politics, ethical dilemmas, altruism vs practicality, etc. Written by Aaron Sorkin who went on to adapt this as the great television series, "The West Wing", the movie has legs...good lookin' ones too!
There are so many "moments" that resonate. Here are two of the best.
Scene set-up: In order to placate his Right Wing opponents, hopefull improve his favorability ratings and smooth the way to re-election, the President decides to sacrifice an environmental bill his lobbyist girlfriend, Sydney Wade, has diligently worked to pass. This decision comes after a lambasting from his political adviser played by Michael J. Fox.
Who is right? I don't know but the dialog is great. Somebody should have run and re-run this movie for the Obama Admin last year when they were taking the "high road" as it were.
Sydney learns of the renege on the part of her boyfriend, the President. She breaks off their affair very succinctly.
"Mr. President, you have bigger things to worry about than losing me. You just lost my vote."Ouch!
Scene Set-up: The Prez delivers the speech we've all waited for; the speech his administrative advisors have begged him to unleash.
Perhaps someone will suggest to the inner circle at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this film may be streamed any night on Netflix.
