Review of The American President (1995) by Jason K — 27 Aug 2012

There might be some problems with The American President, but I didn't care about much of them due to it being such a charming film. Right off the bat someone can say that it was strange they didn't point out that the president was dating a lobbyist that could be with him just to get her bill passed.

And you can also find it kind of silly that Shepherd won't speak to the public about his relationship with Sydney. But the whole point lies within his reasonings of not wanting to speak, so it works for this film.

Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin aren't trying to make the most realistic film in the world anyway. It's a romance that's also a satire on the way the media and public view the president, especially during election time.

If he started dating Sydney once his term began it probably wouldn't have been as big of a deal. Since they are in the middle of preparing for another election it's a problem. The film argues that the president's a man just like anyone else.

He lost his wife to cancer right before he was elected, and even though he has been incredibly busy he has also been lonely. I think that's one of the things that made this so charming. The president is so charismatic and witty.

I loved the quick little remarks Shepherd and Sydney give to each other. Most people wouldn't pick up on their comedy, but they get each other. It was a nice and easy way to show how much they are meant to be.

The problem lies with the media. Once a photo is released of Sydney burning a flag his opponent says she's not a loyal American and he can't believe the president is sleeping with a woman a few doors down from his daughter.

He must not have old fashioned morals! What the whole film argues is what do old fashioned morals have to do with today? Shepherd's concerned about holding up the constitution and he's clearly a guy with his head in the right direction.

Does it really matter if he's saving it for marriage (because I assume that's what his opponent's going on about)? He's a great father and he's a great friend. In the end he learns that he must put his job first and not what will get him elected.

Shepherd thought that was what he was doing by ignoring everyone about his girlfriend, but that was just him running away. Instead he deals with the issue straight forward, then explains the bills he wants to pass and puts them at the highest level, which they were worried about getting passed in the first place.

His first job as the president is to keep the nation heading in the right direction. It's important to get re-elected, but it's also important to not forget what's right. I liked the line when they explain the American public moving towards a mirage in the desert and putting sand in their mouths because they have nothing else they can do, but Shepherd argues they do it because they don't know the difference.

They need to be set straight with the truth. The romantic story is used as a great way to push information through this satire on the media and the public. I enjoyed The American President much more than I originally thought I would.