LBJ (dir. Rob Reiner)
It's no coincidence Rob Reiner's handsomely mounted biopic of the controversial 36th American President "LBJ" hits theaters in the current political climate, as it's depiction of the previous leader of the free world's foul-mouth and aggressive politics ensnare us with a feeling of nostalgic joy.
Behind the dodgy make-up and wayward looking prosthetics is Texan Woody Harrelson; a commanding and charismatic screen actor bolstered with dynamic range and versatility often unseen in modern cinema. His appropriately ripe portrayal of the Southern Democrat who found the Presidency handed to him in the most egregious of circumstances is ridiculous in appearance, as the overdone cosmetics are distracting enough to push the performance into parody; how welcoming then, despite this misstep, Reiner's lightweight tale of a complicated man's rise to the most powerful position in Government is both entertaining and deep in equal measure.
Our story beings with aforementioned woe; cutting between his sullen and broken disposition at the fateful 1963 Dallas shooting of sitting president John F Kennedy ( Jeffery Donovan), we're also treated to the intricacies behind Johnson's time as Senate Majority Leader, and eventually becoming Vice President as running mate of John F Kennedy.
Early scenes of his domineering personality are painted with broad strokes by Reiner, and in the "House of Cards" era, satirical politics has never been so resonate. Here, LBJ is in his element when he is berating his employees and other members of Government in order to achieve political gain, and there's fun to be had witnessing his impatient and often unusual methods. But the tone shifts dramatically as Johnson begins to seek more power, though he is defeated in the Democratic nominee by eventual running mate JFK, he is offered the Vice Presidency by Kennedy as his localities and power within the senate are invaluable to the Democratic cause. Supporting performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lady Bird Johnson are here to garner sympathy for out titular hero, as it's clear his life-partner adores and understands his flaws as well as celebrates his successes'.
But Civil Rights become the main antagonist of the drama. As he is sworn into the Presidency, upon Air Force One returning from JFK's assassination, delegates within his party believe him to be soft and out of touch with Kennedy's policies toward civil rights. Richard Jenkins, as Senator Russell, plays pantomime villain and there allegiance with Southern Democrats is tested to breaking point over the subject of racial integration.
Joey Harstone's screenplay, which featured on the 2014 black-list of un-produced screenplays, is full of rich dialogue and entertaining one-liners. His ability to evoke pathos in moments of heated debate, most notably during heated exchanges with JFK's brother and Attorney General Bobby Kennedy ( Michael Stuhl-David) are consistently evocative and always entertaining, and the more crude and bawdy moments (Johnsnon literally conducts a meeting with staffers whilst sat on the lavatory) are humorous in a non-threatening way.
Though Reiner finished production on this biopic before the current Trump administration took office, it's beyond poetic that a film about a controversial President, loved and despised in equal unison, finds it's way to audiences in a time occupied with vulgar cynicism. A particular speech addressed to congress remind you of times gone by when our fearless leaders operated speeches with a minuscule amount of class and professionalism.
Admittedly, Reiners portrayal shys away from telling the real truths behind Johnson’s controversial stance towards the Vietnam War. It’s not until the very end where it’s even mentioned, and is underplayed to the point of bias. With other films who have tackled similar subjects of recent note; Peter Landesmans “Parkland” or Oliver Stone’s George Bush biopic “W” are clearer comparisons here. It doesn’t acquire the dramatic resonance of Pablo Lorraine spectacular nihilistic approach to true life policy, “Jackie”’ , nevertheless here is a watchable and functioning biopic with a spectacular performance from Woody Harrelson.
Rating 3/5