Complete credited cast: | |||
Michael Sheen | ... | Tony Blair | |
Demetri Goritsas | ... | Strategist | |
Adam Godley | ... | Jonathan Powell | |
Marc Rioufol | ... | Jacques Chirac | |
Mark Bazeley | ... | Alastair Campbell | |
Helen McCrory | ... | Cherie Blair | |
Nancy Crane | ... | Protocol Officer | |
Dennis Quaid | ... | Bill Clinton | |
John Schwab | ... | Reporter | |
Hope Davis | ... | Hillary Clinton | |
Kerry Shale | ... | Advisor to the Clintons | |
Lara Pulver | ... | Intern | |
Eric Meyers | ... | American Journalist | |
Rufus Wright | ... | British Journalist | |
Matthew Marsh | ... | Foreign Policy Advisor |
In 1992, Labour leader Tony Blair goes to America and is impressed by the policies of President Bill Clinton, which he uses to reshape his party. Two years later, he is invited back for an audience with Clinton, who, rightly, predicts that he will be Britain's next Prime Minister. Thus begins the 'special relationship' between the two, though Clinton is clearly the senior partner with Blair seeking his advice on Northern Ireland. The situation in Kosovo however reverses the roles as Blair forces American intervention by a reluctant president and is seen in the American media as the hero of the hour. As Clinton accuses his ally of stabbing him in the back the special relationship starts to sour and, with Clinton ultimately out of the White House, Blair takes his first photo call with the next incumbent, George W. Bush. Written by don @ minifie-1
The movie starts with Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) coming over to America to learn from their experiences and try to reinvigorate the Labour Party. He develops a close relationship with Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid). Then the relationships get more complex, and the movie ends with a press briefing from the real George W and Blair.
The movie is looking at this mostly from the point of view of Tony Blair. He starts off as an almost giddy schoolboy in awe of the great Bill Clinton. Michael Sheen is the best thing in this movie. He is probably the best person for the role. His superior acting skills is on full display. Dennis Quaid is not as good. He comes off as mimicking the president. Hope Davis is quite effective as Hillary. It's a pretty good recitation of the Clinton-Blair years concentrating on Northern Ireland, Lewinsky, and Kosovo from a 90 minutes HBO TV movie.