IRRESISTIBLE

US, 2020, 101 minutes, Colour.

Steve Carell, Rose Byrne, Chris Cooper, Mackenzie Davis, Brent Sexton, Will Sasso, C.J.Wilson, Charles Green, Topher Grace, Natasha Lyonne.

Directed by Jon Stewart.

The first striking thing about irresistible is that it was written and directed by television host, Jon Stewart, with his long experience of interviews, especially with politicians. The screenplay has a lot of his sardonic humour.

And, the setting is the aftermath of the 2016 election and the result with Donald Trump as president. This is a film about big government, small government, disillusionment, military base closures, small towns and lack of funds…

Initially the film focuses on Steve Carell as Gary, a political adviser, coming to a small Wisconsin town, urging a former military officer, played by Chris Cooper, to be the Democratic candidate in the forthcoming election, something initially opposed by his daughter, Diana, Mackenzie Davis. But, the nomination goes ahead and the campaign begins. The opponent is the local Mayor, Brent Sexton, who is supported by an outsider adviser, Faith, played by Rose Byrne. Faith and Gary have been long antagonists.

The film observes life in this Wisconsin town, the closing of the military base, financial difficulties, Gary even taking his candidate to New York to raise funds, the candidate giving a very moving speech and gaining support.

Ironically, on the day of the election, there are only two votes, one for each candidate. Then comes an unexpected revelation about the nature of the election, the suggestion of candidates, the employing of the experts in Washington, and who was behind the whole election.

For those who enjoy political satire, there is much to enjoy. On the other hand, those against it consider the whole enterprise “lame-brained”. Most will enjoy the film, the central cast and supporting cast including Topher Grace, Natasha Leon, Debra Messing.

1. A film written and directed by Jon Stewart, his television career, interviews, politics, his ironic perspective?
2. Washington DC, the world of politics, the world of campaigns, fund-raising, for both parties? New York visit, the social, fund-raising and society?
3. Deerlaken, Wisconsin? Remote from Washington, the town, the bar, shops, meeting places, the mayor in politics, the countryside, the farm? The musical score?
4. The satire on the main parties, campaigning, funds, media, planting stories, rivalries, reputations…? The unexpected twist at the end and its making the strong point?
5. Gary, his career, opportunities? Born to be a campaigner and organiser? Given the story about the Colonel? The visit, meeting with Jack, with Diana, his being persuasive? Their agreement? The impact of the detail of the campaign, Jack’s speeches, his visit to the New York affluent social, his place in the town, the rivalry with the mayor? Welcoming Gary and collaborating with him? Diana supporting her father, her background, education, work on the farm?
6. Gary, no life outside his campaigning, the details of his campaign, his presence in the town, the accommodation, people being very helpful, the lady giving him the food to take to Jack…? Gary at the bar, the two big Mikes? His getting to know the people? His team coming from Washington, the various members, their ideas, advice, his way of speaking to them, angers, the racist comments and his turning it into an opportunity for learning and equality? Audience response to him, liking him or not?
7. Faith, her style, personality? Presence in the town, To the media, taking every advantage, glamour and style, ruthlessness, antagonism towards Gary, public displays, her lies to the television interviewer?
8. Jack, his background, marine record, status in the town, working with Diana? The town meeting, his being late, his declaration about principals, walking out? Filmed? The material given to Gary? The film of the meeting given to Gary, speeches, genial, enjoying everything? The visit to New York?
9. The buildup of the campaign, the indications of percentages, microcosm of Democrats and Republicans, Gary and his being frantic?
10. The letter under his door, Diana writing it, the mayor and his love child, Gary exploiting it, the revelation of the truth, the mayor’s niece? The upset on television?
11. Polling day, nobody going, Gary being frantic?
12. The final meeting, each candidate having one vote each? Gary upset, Faith and her reaction? The revelation of Diana managing, the filming of the meeting, everything staged, everybody in on it, everybody reflecting on how they managed to perform during the campaign? The result, the finances raised, for the town, betterment, unable to be touched?
13. The different endings, Diana and Gary, Faith and Gary, the lady from the store and Gary? And the comic interview during the final credits, an explanation by the chair of the Federal Election Committee?