Welp, now that Inauguration Day has come and gone, it seems prudent to talk about movies about American presidents. (Channeling a little H.W. with that slick use of “prudent” there.)
Now, I’m thinking since the political landscape here in the States has become pretty hostile and scary—basically the complete opposite of the feeling you get when you listen to Whitney Houston singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV in 1991—we can be a little cheeky with this one while also giving kudos to the filmmakers who took a hard honest look at the country’s Commanders-in-Chief, fictional or otherwise.
So, here we go! Let’s take a look at seven of the best movies about American presidents.
‘Lincoln’
If you combine Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis, and one of the most famous U.S. presidents in history, you’re bound to get a critically acclaimed hit like Lincoln. Day-Lewis’ spot-on (we think) portrayal of the 16th president makes this biopic feel almost like a cinéma vérité documentary.
‘Man of the Year’
Barry Levinson’s political satire Man of the Year caught my eye as a young adult because it forced me to grapple with this moral question: If you knew that your preferred presidential candidate won erroneously, would you say anything?
‘Frost/Nixon’
There’s a line in Ron Howard’s brutal biopic about Watergate that makes the entire movie worth a watch. It occurs when British TV broadcaster David Frost (Michael Sheen) asks then-President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) if he thinks he, as president, can do something “in the best interest of the nation” despite it being illegal. Nixon interrupts him and utters that infamous line, “I’m saying, that when the president does it, that means it’s not illegal.” Woof.
‘Primary Colors’
Ah yes, the political comedy that is really just a biopic about former President Bill Clinton. Adapted from a previously anonymously written roman à clef, this movie bombed at the box office but actually garnered Oscar nominations Kathy Bates (Best Supporting Actress) and screenwriter Elaine May (Best Adapted Screenplay).
‘Southside With You’
I’m sure plenty of love stories have unfolded within the walls of the White House (some probably more seedy than others), but none have been as visible and, honestly, adorable as the one between Barrack and Michelle Obama. Southside with You takes you back to the early days of the romance between the former president and first lady.
‘Nixon’
Director Oliver Stone’s Nixon has all the things that made political dramas and thrillers so tantalizing in the 1990s. It had a huge star at the helm, an all-star ensemble cast, and an incredible script. And though Anthony Hopkins’ Nixon isn’t a complete match to the real guy, his portrayal actually gives dimension and depth to the disgraced former president.
‘Air Force One’
“Get off my plane.”
Iconic and riveting.
Harrison’s got my vote.
What are some of your favorite movies about American presidents?
Author: V Renée
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
