Review of Vice (2018) by Bhbarry — 30 Dec 2018

“Vice” is a biodrama and history of the life and career of Dick Cheney, Congressman from Wyoming, and more notably the Vice-President under President George W. Bush.

The film was written and directed by Adam McKay and stars Christian Bale in the title role with Amy Adams as his wife, Lynne Vincent Cheney. Also appearing in the film.

Is Steve Carell (as Donald Rumsfeld) and Sam Rockwell (as George W). This is the story of a partnership between an iron willed wife and an ambitious husband who, together, forged their way from average beginnings to the inner workings of their nation’s decision making process. Those interested more in our country’s recent history than pure film making will get more from this experience than the average viewer. That being said, one must acknowledge the “Meryl Streep” ability of Mr. Bale to transform himself, both physically and professionally,into the essence of the character he portrays. He succeeds so well that in what are obvious recreations of real events, the moviegoer could well believe that the real Mr. Cheney was actually in the scene. There is no question that the writer/director has a definite point of view but, in spite of that, he is able to portray his lead subject with a mixed sense of loyalty to his country and a fierce dedication to his wife and family, indeed the complex traits of a very complicated public servant. I give the film an ratin for, despite its 2 hour and 25 minute running time, the audience is never bored or without interest with what it is appearing on the screen and, after all, isn’t that what film making is all about.