The life story of American politician Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), the man in the United States who never gave much away in an answer, who quietly wielded such power in Washington, and who was to become Vice President to George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Poltergeist). He reshaped the country, perhaps the world, and his legacy is felt still to this day.
The film follows Cheney’s life events from college days, to his marriage to wife Lynne (Amy Adams – Justice League, Arrival). Him working with Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell – Despicable Me 3, Minions). This is a no holds barred look at the man, going on the best information available to the filmmakers, as they so colourfully state at the beginning of the film.
From the dramatic perspective, the film is a hard hitting story, made ever more intense due to the reality and nature of the events portrayed. It is, however, tempered with some humour, although sometimes this is a tad dark.
A talented cast, and a well presented story, laid out succinctly and in such a way that is sure to shock even those most dead the political rhetoric. Certainly a film to see, although for most a single viewing is likely to be enough, as one is bombarded with the topic on a daily basis, over many years, in the mainstream media. Deserving of award nominations, Vice is certainly a film that will keep people talking well after the credits roll, and the upcoming awards season passes.
Vice opens 1 February 2019 in South African cinemas.
