MAN OF THE YEAR
US, 2006, 115 minutes, Colour.
Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Jeff Goldblum.
Directed by Barry Levinson.
Man of the Year is an interesting comedy with serious undertones about American politics.
It was written and directed by Barry Levinson who began his career as a screenwriter (Best Friends, Young Sherlock Holmes in the 1980s) and moved into direction with Diner and Tin Men. He won an Oscar for best director and best film for Rain Man in 1988.
Levinson has had a varied career. One his standout films was Sleeper. In the 21st century he has had less success – though his comedy about Hollywood, What Just Happened? was the final film at the 2008 Cannes film festival.
Levinson had been interested in politics, especially with his war and government satire and its exploitation of the media in David Mamet’s Wag the Dog.
This film is a star vehicle for Robin Williams. He is able to do his manic shtick as a TV host and interviewer. He is extremely popular – though this kind of humour does not sit well with many audiences outside the United States. Christopher Walken plays his producer and manager. With crowds complimenting him on his programs, they suggest that he stand for President of the United States. He decides to do this, beginning his campaign rather more seriously and, then, in a televised debate, taking it over and winning over the audiences.
The other aspect of the film, the more serious aspect, is reminiscent of the fiasco in the 2000 election in Florida. This time it is a computer company which provides the machines for tallying the votes – but has inbuilt mechanisms for swinging the votes to the desired effect. Laura Linney plays an employee who discovers the defects – and Jeff Goldblum, as the manager, takes means to suppress her views. However, she contacts the president-elect and complications ensue in terms of honesty, the public, the presidency, personal ambitions.
The film is humorous at times – but, in the context of the second Bush administration and the anticipation of the 2008 election, it is interesting and relevant.
1.The political satire from the George W. Bush era? Seen in retrospect of his presidency?
2.A Robin Williams comedy? His screen persona, patter, television interviewer, his campaign, as a comedian?
3.Satire and politics, the campaigns, the debates, the ideologies?
4.The drama, the counting of votes, power, companies, Eleanor and her being fired, the plots, public relations?
5.The technology, the computer companies, the counting of votes, the glitches, the rigging of the machines, the expose? The memories of the count in Florida, 2000?
6.Robin Williams as Tom, seeing him on air, his playing for laughs, audience response, the fans, Eleanor watching? People commenting on his potential for presidency? His decision, running, becoming more serious, his change of style, the advice from the campaign team, funding, the staff? Jack and his friendship, advice? The concern about being too serious, going to the television? The reactions, the tours?
7.Tom and his change of heart, the advice for the debate, the Republican, the president? His reaction, the moderator and her loss of control? Tom taking over, clever, the range of points being made, the audience reaction, the public reaction?
8.Eleanor and her work, the testing of the computers, the information, sending the email to the bosses, the bosses and their watching her? The build-up to the election, Eleanor and her reaction to the result? The company trying to discredit her, intruding into her house, pumping the drugs into her, her erratic behaviour at the cafeteria, being taken to the institution? Daniel and his support, spying? The election reaction?
9.Her decision to go to Tom? Posing as the FBI agent – and their later using this against her? Talking to him, attracted to him? The reaction of the team? The dance? Going out, the false information about her? Tom checking her out, listening to advice, using his own intuition? The attempts at phone calls? Her desperation, the phone booth, the accident, Tom believing her?
10.Tom and Eleanor, friendship, Tom going to Congress wearing the 18th century clothes and wig? The press conference? The public and his concern?
11.Eleanor in the hospital, Tom believing her?
12.Tom going to Jack, to the others? The visit to the Oval Office and the talk with the president? The truth, being able to let go the presidency?
13.The portrait of the team, their personalities, advice, working together, coming from the television background?
14.Jack, the narration, his character, advice, his heart turn, in hospital, watching the election result and drowsing in his hospital bed?
15.The end, Eleanor becoming the television producer, Tom’s programs, success?
16.The impact for an American audience? The political landscape of the 21st century? The experience of elections, the range of presidents, President Bush, the difficulties with voting? Non-American? audiences enjoying this picture?
