Vice (2018)

Taking a look back on past political troubles and the damage caused by controversial figures can definitely bring up past pains to reflect on our current climate. Whether they are from a distant time period or from a more familiar trauma whose effects are widely felt today. Even though I'm not interested in politics, it can't be denied that looking upon it in the past serves the same purpose to study history: so that we may not be doomed to repeat it. This brings us to Vice, a biographical comedy-drama written and directed by Adam McKay (The Big Short). The marketing campaign seemed rather intriguing just by the insane resemblance the main actor has to the figure in question. Before the films release, there has been awards buzz surrounding it (notably getting a lot of nominations at the Golden Globes). It received divisive reviews from critics, which isn't surprising as treating this subject matter can be tricky. I went into the auditorium to see how this holds up against the competition in the awards season and left it glad I decided to check it out.

Plot: The story follows the events of Dick Cheney's rise to becoming Vice President of George Bush's presidency (1963-2012). The best way to describe this would be taking as much of the known facts about him and working it into a checklist type of encyclopedia watching experience (the director even acknowledges that he tried his best with the information about the man at the very beginning). For a writer who clearly despises this aspect of history, the film deserves credit for keeping itself restrained enough to allow some humanization in the first act in showing the driving force that pushed this politician far in life. It should also be noted that there is a narrating voice throughout guiding the audience in details regarding the events. To alleviate the droll and daunting environment and actions taking place, the dialog can lean towards the comedy from these government officials.

It doesn't take long before the aggressive personifications come out to play in the second act and onwards where the divisive nature rears its face. Sometimes the characterizations of these people can be either from how the director or Dick Cheney views them from their perspective, which might be a little hit or miss for some. Another obstacle that affects this quality is the third act, which differs from the smoothness from the middle third and gives a rushed compilation of the extra dirty deeds done to finish off that checklist.

Characters: The people to focus on are Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) and Lynne Cheney (Amy Adams). If there's any strong value to keep an eye on here, it's Christians amazing performance. The way he not only transforms into the role over the history shown but the added effects of his weight gain and the makeup is incredible to watch. The best way to describe this physical evolution is to imagine an alcoholic Bruce Wayne at the beginning, slowly putting on the body fat, and about halfway through literally looking like him at that time. Amy's great acting conveys a dominance that would be expected as a politicians wife whose "my way or the highway" attitude that's very enticing to watch. Honorable mentions go to George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell) and Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell) for their great supporting performances in their respective roles.

Overall Consensus: Vice is strengthened by strong performances and some interesting insight on a controversial vice president, even though it sometimes gets hampered by its own style and writing. ⭑⭑⭑1/2🎟 Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes R

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You are a fan of Adam McKay's work. You are a history or political buff and are curious about how this biopic is handled.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You are't a fan of Adam McKay's work. You aren't either a history or political buff and aren't curious about how this biopic is handled.