Spring Break
10 movies to watch before Election Day
Kip Mooney
Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: OPINION
Why you should see it now: It shows just how hungry the American people are for honesty from politicians.
"Primary Colors" (1998)
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Ten years before Josh Brolin did his best "Dubya" in Oliver Stone's biopic, John Travolta gave one of his best performances as Jack Stanton, the Clinton-like southern governor whose rocky road to the White House is plagued with innuendo and scandal. Emma Thompson does a spot-on Hillary, and Kathy Bates is absolutely magnificent.
Why you should see it now: It will let you determine if a candidate's vision for America is worth overlooking his seedy personal life.
"Wag the Dog" (1998)
Directed by Barry Levinson.
You may never trust your television set again after this biting satire about a media guru who creates a completely false war in eastern Europe to take the heat off a president in the midst of a sex scandal.
Why you should see it now: It will cause you to look at everything reported on the news with a more analytical eye.
"The Contender" (2000)
Directed by Rod Lurie.
When a vice president dies in office, Jeff Bridges must name his replacement. Joan Allen is his top pick, but she must be confirmed by a ruthless congressman (Gary Oldman) who is determined to bring her down at any cost.
Why you should see it now: It asks the questions: When do you stand up for your morals and values? Only when it's convenient? Only when it benefits you?
"Charlie Wilson's War" (2007)
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Though marketed as a comedy, Mike Nichols' second entry on this list examines America's tumultuous relationship with the Middle East. In the 1980s, the U.S. funded freedom fighters in Afghanistan to take on Soviet invaders, yet refused to pay to rebuild their infrastructure.
Toward the end, Tom Hanks hits the nail on the head: "These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world ... and then we f----- up the endgame."
Why you should see it now: It points out that decisions made to ally with someone, especially at the executive level, can have extreme repercussions, even if made with the right intentions.
"The Dark Knight" (2008)
Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Just a comic book movie, you ask? Watch it again, and you'll see a movie filled with moral quandaries and spectacular writing, directing, acting, editing, etc.
Why you should see it now: It asks how far is too far to go in the name of justice. Should you invade people's privacy? Can you put them at risk to avoid a greater catastrophe?
Kip Mooney is a journalism sophomore. He can be reached at coldplayer1988@verizon.net.
"Primary Colors" (1998)
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Ten years before Josh Brolin did his best "Dubya" in Oliver Stone's biopic, John Travolta gave one of his best performances as Jack Stanton, the Clinton-like southern governor whose rocky road to the White House is plagued with innuendo and scandal. Emma Thompson does a spot-on Hillary, and Kathy Bates is absolutely magnificent.
Why you should see it now: It will let you determine if a candidate's vision for America is worth overlooking his seedy personal life.
"Wag the Dog" (1998)
Directed by Barry Levinson.
You may never trust your television set again after this biting satire about a media guru who creates a completely false war in eastern Europe to take the heat off a president in the midst of a sex scandal.
Why you should see it now: It will cause you to look at everything reported on the news with a more analytical eye.
"The Contender" (2000)
Directed by Rod Lurie.
When a vice president dies in office, Jeff Bridges must name his replacement. Joan Allen is his top pick, but she must be confirmed by a ruthless congressman (Gary Oldman) who is determined to bring her down at any cost.
Why you should see it now: It asks the questions: When do you stand up for your morals and values? Only when it's convenient? Only when it benefits you?
"Charlie Wilson's War" (2007)
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Though marketed as a comedy, Mike Nichols' second entry on this list examines America's tumultuous relationship with the Middle East. In the 1980s, the U.S. funded freedom fighters in Afghanistan to take on Soviet invaders, yet refused to pay to rebuild their infrastructure.
Toward the end, Tom Hanks hits the nail on the head: "These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world ... and then we f----- up the endgame."
Why you should see it now: It points out that decisions made to ally with someone, especially at the executive level, can have extreme repercussions, even if made with the right intentions.
"The Dark Knight" (2008)
Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Just a comic book movie, you ask? Watch it again, and you'll see a movie filled with moral quandaries and spectacular writing, directing, acting, editing, etc.
Why you should see it now: It asks how far is too far to go in the name of justice. Should you invade people's privacy? Can you put them at risk to avoid a greater catastrophe?
Kip Mooney is a journalism sophomore. He can be reached at coldplayer1988@verizon.net.
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