THE WAR ROOM
A film review by Michael John Legeros
Copyright 1994 Michael John Legeros
Directed by D. A. Pennebaker & Chris Hegedus Starring James Carville, George Stephanopoulos and just about everyone else involved in 1992's Presidential campaign. MPAA Rating none Running time Approx. 100 minutes
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"When I think of an old calendar, I think of George Bush's face."
- James Carville on change
THE WAR ROOM is a fun, little documentary about the Bill Clinton Presidential campaign. But don't expect to see much of "Bubba" here-- he's as scarce as a leftover French fry in the White House. The *real* stars of THE WAR ROOM are communications director George Stephanopoulos and chief strategiest James Carville. And, as this film suggests, both are just as powerful as the President-To-Be.
THE WAR ROOM goes behind-the-scenes to show who *really* controls a political campaign. Though it's the candidates who get the attention, it's people like Carville who spend hours thinking up the "sound bites" and the "catch phrases." And it's a process that's both mesmerizing and funny to watch. One of the best bits eavesdrops on a seemingly absurd discussion about "sign size" and how Jerry Brown has bigger letters than they do!
Forget real-life cartoons Dan Quayle and Ross Perot; James Carville is the fun one to watch here. He's an instant scene-stealer who burns with such hatred for George Bush that his features involuntarily crimp every time he hears "read my lips."
Stephanopoulos is rather bland. But his cautious tone and boyish features make the perfect contrast to the wired and wily Carville. The odd couple is backed by a diverse supporting cast including Hillary, Bill, and a dry-humored Mary Matalin. And listen for a great Al Gore impersonation!
THE WAR ROOM only drags at the end. As the film approaches Election Day, everything seems to slow to half-speed. The last thirty-minutes are tough--especially with the outcome already known. But a sincere speech from Carville helps end everything on a high note.
Bottom line: THE WAR ROOM is a funny behind-the-scenes look at Bill
Clinton's Presidential campaign. Though it drags toward
the end, THE WAR ROOM is worth watching for the
wide-open, this-is-really-him performance of Chief
Strategist James Carville.
Grade: B
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