THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
A film review by Chad Polenz
Copyright 1997 Chad Polenz
*** (out of 4 = good) 1995, PG-13, 115 minutes [1 hour, 55 minutes] [romantic comedy] starring: Michael Douglas (President Andrew Sheperd), Annette Bening (Sydney Ellen Wade), Martin Sheen (A.J. MacInerey), Michael J. Fox (Lewis Rothschild), written by Aaron Sorkin, produced and directed by Rob Reiner.
They say royalty doesn't exist in the United States, but "The American President" proves it does. This is a really enjoyable film that wonders what would happen if the president was single. And the answer is a funny, romantic, and sentimental story that really touches your heart and makes you feel good for many reasons. Michael Douglas stars as President Andrew Sheperd, a democrat who was elected as a widower. A lot of good characterization is portrayed by Douglas's character due mostly to the fact he is the president but also a single father. We see the relationship between him and his daughter who is a nice and caring girl who loves her dad and understands his job.When he meets a woman, she is not jealous, she is very supportive and tries to give him hints on how to impress her. This is just one example of the film's charming creativity. Annette Bening co-stars as Sydney Ellen Wade, a single, 30-something woman who is one of the top executives of an environmental lobbying group. When she visits the White House she tells the President's aides his environmental policy "sucks" and bashes him, not knowing he was standing behind her the entire time. That's a typical joke-making device, but nevertheless, it works really well here and thus our two main characters finally meet. One of the best scenes takes place soon thereafter, as Sheperd and his friend, Chief-of-Staff A.J. MacInerey (Sheen), are playing pool and discuss whether or not they think Sydney likes him. It sounds like something kids in high school would say. Sheperd: "She didn't say anything about me?" MacInerey: "Well, I'll pass her a note in study hall." The president gets Sydney's phone number and calls her, at first she thinks it's a prank call, but finally realizes it is him and he asks her out. Sydney and her sister act like real people and not movie characters - they discuss what to wear and all the little idiosyncrasies of dating and whether or not he's cute. It's everyday girl talk, the guy just happens to be the president. The chemistry between Douglas and Bening is excellent, and they make one of the cutest couples. The original screenplay drives this film, but Reiner's direction and the acting make it even better. Both Sheperd and Sydney are trying to get bills passed, and they make a "deal" to help each other out. Most of the movie is spent showing the relationship between the two and their independent efforts to pass their bills. What it all comes down to is the fact the president's relationship is affecting his status and if he passes the crime bill without passing the environmental bill first he will regain some of his popularity but will also cross Sydney. Which is more important - his job or his love life? It's a tough decision and he ultimately makes the right one for him, but he can't forgive himself. I really liked this film. It was creative, witty, funny, and romantic. It shows no matter how high up on a pedestal we put people, they are still human and still have the same problems as everyone else. (3/10/96) (2/11/97) (5/21/97) [also by Reiner: "Stand By Me"]
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