Intrigue and spectacular political struggle: the best movies about the US elections

Elections in the United States are always a fascinating event that captures the attention of the whole world. Political struggle, ambitions, intrigues – all this is reflected in cinema.

OBOZ.UA presents a selection of films about American presidents and election campaigns in the United States. Films about the US elections are not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to delve into the history and modernity of American politics.

Reagan (2024)

Sean McNamara's autobiographical film about Ronald Reagan, which focuses on the life and political career of the 40th president of the United States. Dennis Quaid plays the lead role.

The film covers a wide period of Reagan's life, from his childhood in Illinois to his presidential term. The story is told from the perspective of a former KGB agent who tells another character about Reagan. The film explores various aspects of the politician's life, including his acting career, the governorship of California, and the presidency.

Absolute Power (1997)

This is a 1997 American political thriller directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, who also played the lead role. The film is based on the novel by David Baldacci.

The story revolves around an experienced thief Luther Whitney, who accidentally witnesses the assassination of the US President. Whitney faces a difficult choice: to remain silent or to reveal the truth, risking his own life. The film explores the themes of power, corruption, and moral choice.

The American President (1995)

This is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin. The plot centers on US President Andrew Shepard, played by Michael Douglas, and his relationship with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, played by Annette Bening.

The film shows how Shepherd's political duties and personal life begin to conflict when his affair with Sydney becomes public and draws criticism in political circles. In addition to the main storyline, the film reveals the theme of ethical responsibility and public pressure on the country's leaders. The work on the film laid the foundation for The West Wing series, also written by Sorkin.

Vice (2018)

This is a biographical black comedy-drama directed and written by Adam McKay. The film explores the life of Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale, showing his rise from a bureaucrat to one of the most powerful vice presidents in history. The plot focuses on Cheney's political manipulations that influenced US domestic and foreign policy, particularly during the Iraq War. The film also stars Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Carell. "The Power is characterized by an unconventional narrative style, including satirical inserts and the breaking of the fourth wall. The film received several Oscar nominations and drew attention to both Bale's masterful performance and his critical view of contemporary US politics.

The Campaign (2012)

A satirical comedy that ridicules the electoral process and political manipulation in the United States. Directed by Jay Roach and starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.

The plot revolves around two politicians: experienced congressman Cam Brady (Ferrell) and simple-minded Martha Huggins, who are engaged in a fierce struggle for a seat in Congress.

The campaign quickly turns into a series of absurd and often scandalous incidents, demonstrating the lengths to which the candidates are willing to go to win. The film is a satire on contemporary American politics, raising issues of corruption and manipulation of public opinion.

The Ides of March (2011)

The Ides of March is a 2011 American political drama directed by George Clooney. The film immerses the viewer in the whirlwind of the election campaign, where intrigue, manipulation, and betrayal become a daily reality.

The plot centers on a young and ambitious press secretary, Stephen Myers, who works for a promising presidential candidate. The seemingly perfect world of political struggle gradually falls apart when Myers witnesses his boss's dark secrets.

The film features a star-studded cast, including George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and others. "The Ides of March" received positive reviews from critics for its realistic depiction of the political backstage, as well as for the actors' performances.

The title of the film refers to a historical event – the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15 (March Ides) according to the Julian calendar. This allusion emphasizes the danger of political struggle and the possible consequences of betrayal.

Primary Colors (1998)

A dramatic comedy satirizing political intrigue during a presidential campaign. The film was directed by Mike Nichols and is based on the novel of the same name by Joe Klein, which alludes to Bill Clinton's election campaign.

The protagonist, Governor Jack Stanton, played by John Travolta, is running for the presidency, facing various scandals and complex moral dilemmas. He is accompanied by his wife Susan (Emma Thompson) and a young team trying to preserve his reputation and manage the political game.

The film shows the behind-the-scenes of American politics, where personal ambitions and compromises become decisive. "Primary Colors" has received positive reviews for its subtle depiction of the human weaknesses of politicians and its acting. The film touches upon the topics of ethics, idealism, and difficult choices on the way to power.

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