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Wag the Dog (1997)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
9 January 1998 (USA) moreTagline:
A Hollywood producer. A Washington spin-doctor. When they get together, they can make you believe anything. morePlot:
Before elections, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to "fabricate" a war in order to cover-up a presidential sex scandal. full summary | full synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 12 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(31 articles)
"In the Loop" - New clips from the IFC Films release. (From Movie Jungle. 6 July 2009, 1:34 AM, PDT)
"In the Loop" to be sent to cable via IFC
(From Movie Jungle. 5 July 2009, 10:23 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
The Best Political Satire Since Dr. Strangelove moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Dustin Hoffman | ... | Stanley Motss | |
| Robert De Niro | ... | Conrad Brean | |
| Anne Heche | ... | Winifred Ames | |
| Denis Leary | ... | Fad King | |
| Willie Nelson | ... | Johnny Dean | |
| Andrea Martin | ... | Liz Butsky | |
| Kirsten Dunst | ... | Tracy Lime | |
| William H. Macy | ... | CIA Agent Charles Young | |
| John Michael Higgins | ... | John Levy | |
| Suzie Plakson | ... | Grace | |
| Woody Harrelson | ... | Sergeant William Schumann | |
| Michael Belson | ... | President | |
| Suzanne Cryer | ... | Amy Cain | |
| Jason Cottle | ... | A.D. | |
| David Koechner | ... | Director |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for language.Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
97 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreCertification:
Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:14A (Alberta) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Canada:PG (British Columbia/Ontario) | Denmark:11 | Iceland:L | Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:15 | New Zealand:M | Argentina:13 | Belgium:KT | Chile:14 | Finland:S | France:U | Germany:12 (bw) | Mexico:B | Netherlands:12 | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:T | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:R | Australia:M | Brazil:18Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In the funeral scene, soldiers in the military band are played by members of the Riverside Community College marching band. moreGoofs:
Crew or equipment visible: A few pieces of technical equipment are seen several times reflected from Motss' glasses. Also, in the songwriting scene, there is a camera stand in one corner of the studio (although this may be part of the decor of the producers' house). moreSoundtrack:
NEWS AND PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN MUSIC moreFAQ
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Rarely can film satire make you laugh and be worried about the future at the same time. Levinson's film does just that, with a great cast and great writing, this film succeeds.
You may have noticed that many of the posts and reviews argue that this is not plausible. Obviously these posters do not realize that satire is supposed to be over the top and show what can happen in extremes, and ironically, this came out just after Clinton's sex scandal, and is still relevant today with George W. and will continue to be regardless of the president. Also, some may think it oversimplifies the public as idiots, but this isn't true, especially if they are being deceived and information is withheld. There are some implausibilities, as in why no reporters went to Albania or how other countries didn't get involved other than denying the charges, but these are small and even addressed in scenes with the rival candidates, news reporters and even CIA head William H. Macy.
Really I don't know how anyone can not like this film since it is smart, funny and scary all at once with fine performances and direction all around. This is an American political satire classic that is sadly becoming less satire as time goes on.
OVERALL: 9/10. Buy or at least rent before the satire becomes reality.