Film & TV

8 Political Films and TV Shows to Watch Now

The power games of U.S. government have captivated audiences for decades in these political dramas.
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American politics tend to indirectly impact the entire world, which has spawned several media outlets dedicated to investigating each of the historical events that have marked the course of the United States history, thus often making history themselves. In many ways, this research work has been an enormous influence on public opinion and, of course, cinematography. In fact, the people's fascination with political life in the U.S. has given audiences some of the most memorable performances in the film and television industry. Here, L'OFFICIEL rounds up some of the best projects that showcase the world of U.S. politics.

All the President's Men

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"All the President's Men," 1976. Directed by Alan J. Pakula / Courtesy of Wildwood Enterprises.

Considered the most devastating detective story of the century, All the President's Men tells the story of the 1972 election, when Bob Woodward, a Washington Post reporter discovers what appears to be the break-in at the Democratic National Party headquarters, orchaestrated by the country's commander-in-chief. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the story is based on the book of the same name by Woodward and fellow journalist Carl Berstein. The film traces one of the most scandalous moments in the history of American politics, when corruption became a threat to its democracy. Featuring memorable performances by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, this film garnered numerous Oscar nominations.

Primary Colors

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"Primary Colors," 1998. Directed by Mike Nichols / Courtesy of Mutual Film Company.

Inspired by the best-selling novel about Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential bid, the Democratic governor of a southern state, Jack Stanton, selects Henry Burton, the grandson of a leader in the civil rights movement, as coordinator of his presidential campaign. Starring John Travolta and Emma Thompson, the critically-acclaimed film traces all the hiccups and complications that involve the candidacy, giving a behind-the-scenes look at U.S. politics.

The West Wing

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"The West Wing," 1999. Created by Aaron Sorkin / Courtesy of John Wells Productions.

Starring actors Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, and Allison Janney, in this series, members of the White House staff, along with the President of the United States, face daily conflicts that affect them both in their personal lives and respective jobs. During its run, this Aaron Sorkin series was a resounding success, worthy of accolades such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series.

The Ides of March

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"The Ides of March," 2011. Directed by George Clooney / Directed by Columbia Pictures.

In this political drama, directed by and starring George Clooney, the actor plays Governor Mike Morris, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nominee. Stephen Meyers, played by Ryan Gosling, is Morris's campaign political adviser. Despite being a young man with high ideals, Meyers finds himself in situations that test his beliefs and integrity. In a journey through complicated political games, the ambition for power is threatened by corruption.

House of Cards

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"House of Cards," 2013. Created by David Fincher / Courtesy of Netflix.

Revealing the dark side of politics, the ideals and values of Francis Underwood—played by Kevin Spacey—are questioned when the position of Secretary of State is given to someone else. The ambitious politician, along with his wife Carrie (Robin Wright), seeks revenge against those who have betrayed him, devising a master plan to reach an even more powerful position. Between narratives of manipulation, corruption, and power, relationship intrigue and radical political strategies are exposed. House of Cards has been highly awarded and acclaimed by the public, receiving a total of 33 Emmy Award nominations.

Designated Survivor

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"Designated Survivor," 2016. Created by David Guggenheim / Courtesy of ABC Studios.

The series, created by David Guggenheim, tells the fictional story of a terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union. Secretary Tom Kirkman, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, is a little-known member of the presidential cabinet. The attack results in the death of most government officials, including all those preceding him in line the presidential succession line, forcing Kirkman to take the reins as President of the United States.

The Post

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"The Post," 2017. Directed by Steven Spielberg / Courtesy of DreamWorks.

In this 2017 film, Steven Spielberg tells the moving story of a conflict between the government and the press. In the 1960s, the Washington Post and New York Times work together to expose the Pentagon Papers, a series of classified documents that reveal suspicious participation of the United States in the Vietnam War. After being accused of treason by the state, journalists are required to stop their investigation. With an admirable cast, the film, starring Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, The West Wing alum Bradley Whitford, and Carrie Coon, exposes threats that the White House made against freedom of the press. In somewhat of an unofficial prequel, the film's leaves off where All the President's Men begins.

Vice

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"Vice," 2018. Directed by Adam McKay / Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures.

Adam McKay tells the biographical story of Dick Cheney, the man who shaped the course of history, while staying under the world's radar. Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, and Sam Rockwell, the film chronicles the events that brought Dick Cheney to power as George W. Bush's vice-president. Cheney's extensive political knowledge allows him to get involved in making crucial decisions, which became even more momentous after the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

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