W

My interest was peaked by Adrienne when she reported on the movie "W". I saw it yesterday and I must say that I was not disappointed. Some observations: 1) The Bush character was obsessed with eating. Usually coarse, disgusting, large bite eating. Further, the director has a fascination for close ups on W's mouth, while he is eating, so that the masticated food is evident. Also, he shows uncouth whipings of his mouth, at one time sticking his finger in his mouth to wipe out something between teeth and cheek. When served, he does not wait for anybody else but immediately starts to shovel it in. 2) During his younger years W is a heavy drinker. He appears in many scenes with a bottle in his hand from which he swigs often. Curiously, the bottle has a label that shows up from the beginning of the movie to the end....almost like the brand had paid for such notoriety. Even in the hazing scene this same bottle shows up. I don't know much about whisky so I was unable to identify the brand. 3) A major theme in this movie is that W seeks the approval of his father, but his father does not give it to him in the manner he desires. Also, there is intense sibling rivalry with Jeb for his father's approval. This is portrayed as extending even into his presidency. It is obvious that Oliver Stone felt that this was a major flaw in W. For most people, maturation brings these feelings to an end, but Stone's view shows this is not the case with W. 4) To my mind, the attraction Laura Bush has for the young W was idiotic on her part. Could she have found her prince charming in such a lout? This part does not ring true. 5) His conversion as a Christian is portrayed as a non-religious person believes conversions happen. In addition, W's minister is shown as a get along, nice guy but slightly confused in dealing with W. In one scene, that was meant as a window into W's quirkiness, W states that he has given up sweets until the war is won. It was reminiscent of Catholics giving something up for lent. I was disappointed that Condelessa Rice was portrayed as little more than a maid. Her face was just hanging out in many scenes. Adrienne was right, Dreyfuss was perfect for the Cheney charactor. Carl Rove was just laughable it every scene he was in. Now that we see him on the talk shows we see how far off Stone was in his depiction of Rove's character. Portrayal of Tenant may have been right on, a bumbling bureaucrat intent on protecting his hide when MSD's were not found. W was portrayed as a small man in a large job. He desires that everything go right but is confounded at many turns. He is confused to the end of the movie. It is my belief that the real W's personal flaw is in wanting the success of others. To be a team player and expecting others to be team players also. He has made many poor appointments but is loyal to them when they falter. The loyalty factor is a weakness. Examples: Brownlee in New Orleans, Bremmer in Iraq, do nothing Mukasy as Attorney General, Rumsfelt when a surge was needed, Paulson as Secretary of Treasury, and there are more. I was glad to see the movie, it was worth the money ($5.00) and the time.