Writer/Director: Adam McKay
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Sam Rockwell
‘Brilliant Political Biopic’
When it comes to the most controversial politicians in American history, Dick Cheney is definitely one of them. Under the George Bush administration, Cheney played a major role in shaping the U.S. Ever since he was elected to office in 2000, Cheney gathered his fair share of supporters and detractors. Some supported his policies, while others criticized his involvement in the war against terrorism. Nevertheless, Dick Cheney went on to become the most powerful vice-president in American history. How did such an ordinary man rise to power in the political world? What factors contributed to his success?
Adam McKay’s latest film “Vice” is an entertaining biopic that traces Dick Cheney’s rise to become the most powerful politician in America. With his latest feature, writer/director Adam McKay takes an insightful look at the life of the controversial politician and his rise to power. Using a sharp screenplay and excellent performances from the star-studded cast, McKay crafts an engaging portrait of the political figure. Yet, while the film is undeniably entertaining, it falls short of expectations. It suffers from a lengthy running time, and an unusual style that at times tests the viewer’s patience. That being said, “Vice” is an enjoyable biopic that is worth seeing for its timely message.
Starring Christian Bale in the lead role, “Vice” traces the life of Dick Cheney and his journey to become the most powerful politician in America. Dick Cheney is a quiet, yet ambitious man running his own business with the support of his wife Lynne (Amy Adams). However, his life changes when he is picked by George Bush to be his running mate in the 2000 presidential election. When Bush wins the election, Cheney uses his newfound power to reshape the country and world in a major way.
Not many directors have the ability to blend comedy with serious subject matter, but Adam McKay is an exception. Ever since he burst onto the scene with 2015’s “The Big Short”, McKay has proven that he knows how to make entertaining movies about serious subjects. His films are always funny and use sharp screenplays to tackle controversial issues. With “Vice”, McKay sets his sights on the life of former vice-president Dick Cheney. At a first glance, it seems like the subject for a rather serious movie. However, surprisingly it isn’t. At times, “Vice” is funny and offers its fair share of laughs. However, the film is also dark and somber in tone. It’s a tricky tonal balance to pull off, but McKay succeeds. Using a smart screenplay, he takes a complicated subject such as politics and turns it into entertainment.
While McKay handles the tone perfectly, he struggles to tell a cohesive story in “Vice”. As with his previous film “The Big Short”, McKay uses a variety of techniques to tell the story. Whether it is voice-over narration or news footage, McKay employs various techniques to tell the story of the vice-president. However, not all of these cinematic techniques prove to be effective. For instance, the voice-over narration is one of the film’s main issues. Early on in the film, we are introduced to the narrator that tells us everything we need to know. Not only is the narration utterly unnecessary, but it is so distracting that it takes the viewer out of the movie. It’s an approach that worked well in “The Big Short”, but falls flat in “Vice”. Instead of serving the story, it proves to be a distraction and tests the viewer’s patience.
Thankfully, though, the fantastic performances from the cast make up for these flaws. In the year’s most star-studded ensemble, every actor gets the chance to shine and leave a lasting impression. Each actor transforms into their real-life character, but none more so than Christian Bale.
Christian Bale delivers his finest performance to date as Dick Cheney. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly unrecognizable in the role of a powerful politician. Bale is one of those actors that always transforms into the characters he plays, and Dick Cheney is no exception. To prepare for the part, Bale not only gained weight but captured the look of the politician. With distinct mannerisms and the aid of makeup, Bale seamlessly captures the persona of the vice-president. It is not easy to portray a controversial real-life person, but the actor pulls it off effortlessly. It’s an astonishing performance that is worthy of awards and recognition. After acting for nearly thirty years, Christian Bale deserves everyone’s attention.
The supporting cast is excellent and also worthy of recognition. Amy Adams is amazing in the role of Dick Cheney’s forceful and determined wife. Sam Rockwell is hilarious and steals every scene he is in as George Bush, creating an insightful portrait rather than a mere impression of the president. And finally, Steve Carell rounds off the all-star cast. As Donald Rumsfeld, he brings hilarious comical relief and persona to the film.
Although “Vice” is undeniably well-acted, it is not a film without flaws. At two hours and twelve minutes, the movie suffers from a lengthy running time. With the help of an adrenaline-pumping score, director Adam McKay keeps the film moving at an engaging pace during the first hour. However, once the film enters its final hour it starts to lose steam and test the viewer’s patience. Unlike “The Big Short”, a film that was consistently entertaining, “Vice” suffers from a slow pace. At times, the movie is entertaining, but it also leaves the viewer feeling exhausted. Due to its slow pacing, “Vice” is a film that may not appeal to mainstream audiences.
Nevertheless, fans of Adam McKay’s previous films will definitely enjoy “Vice” and so will movie-goers seeking political entertainment this holiday season. Even if you’re not into politics, the film is still worth a watch.
It will leave you entertained, educated, and eager to learn more about the vice-president that transformed the world we live in today.
3/5 stars
The Film Buff 
You must be logged in to post a comment.