Best ‘presidential’ films recalled

ROBERT Redford and Dustin Hoffman in “All The President’s Men.”

Now that the USA has once again initiated the process of choosing its next president, it’s instructive to note that the key electoral exercise has led to the production of an impressive number of noteworthy films that serve to clarify and cogently vivify that all-important process. Those political dramas may be American in tone and context, but local viewers could also learn a lot from them.

Topping some critics’ list is “All The President’s Men,” with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman portraying the young journalists who blew the lid off then president Richard Nixon’s dirty-tricks politics and cover-up efforts. For its part, “JFK” dramatized John F. Kennedy’s own tragic story—the Camelot that once was, and would never be again.

Disgraced leader

“Nixon,” starring Anthony Hopkins as the disgraced leader of his nation, is next on the list, followed by “The American President,” which is decidedly lighter and focuses on a widower president’s love life.

In “Air Force One,” the speculative rather than docu-drama tone is sustained, as the thriller has its skyjacked chief executive, played by Harrison Ford, fighting back and showing a band of terrorists who’s boss!

In “Primary Colors,” John Travolta plays a “Clinton-esque” presidential aspirant. “Bobby” vivifies Robert Kennedy’s own tragic campaign for top political office. And the controversial focus of “W.” is on George W. Bush.

“Frost/Nixon” is the third film about Richard Nixon on the list. Finally, in “The Ides of March,” star-director George Clooney exposes the dark side of the American electoral process.

These and other worthy and provocative productions show that American filmmakers appreciate the importance of politics in their nation’s life, and don’t shirk from the difficult but essential task of clarifying it for their viewer-voters.

Escapism

That’s far from what obtains in the Philippines, where cinematic escapism is more the norm, and many filmmakers are loath to confront political issues, for fear that they will turn out to be poison at the box office.

It’s encouraging to note, however, that a few local dramas have bitten the bullet in that regard. We aren’t talking about the Marcos movies, which were propaganda pieces in the guise of historical melodrama.

Genuinely political productions shot and shown here include: “The Moises Padilla Story,” which dramatized a cautionary tale of political assassination. Gerry de Leon’s “Daigdig Ng Mga Api,” starring Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez. Lino Brocka’s satirical drama on martial law, “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.”

In addition, a number of more recent indie productions have tackled political issues from different vantage points. While those efforts are commendable, much more clearly needs to be done to inform our viewers about the decisive role that politicians play in our lives, and we hope that our committed filmmakers are up to the critical task at hand!