Recount (2008) (TV)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Jay Roach

Writer:

Danny Strong (written by)

Release Date:

25 May 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

The future of the nation was hanging by a chad.

Plot:

A chronicle of the weeks after the 2000 U.S. presidential election and the subsequent recounts in Florida. |

Plot Keywords:

Florida | Election | Presidential Election | F Word | Profanity

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 22 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Thur. Nov. 19

4:00 PM

HBO

Cast

Kevin Spacey	...	Ron Klain
Bob Balaban	...	Ben Ginsberg
Ed Begley Jr.	...	David Boies
Laura Dern	...	Katherine Harris
John Hurt	...	Warren Christopher
Denis Leary	...	Michael Whouley
Bruce McGill	...	Mac Stipanovich
Tom Wilkinson	...	James Baker
Bruce Altman	...	Mitchell Berger
Jayne Atkinson	...	Theresa LePore
Gary Basaraba	...	Clay Roberts
Derek Cecil	...	Jeremy Bash
Eve Gordon	...	Monica Klain
Marcia Jean Kurtz	...	Carol Roberts
Mitch Pileggi	...	Bill Daley

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:TV-MA | Australia:M | Singapore:PG | Argentina:16

Filming Locations:

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Company:

Everyman Pictures

Trivia:

Because of the extensive parody of Katherine Harris in the media, Laura Dern expressed great apprehension over how to approach the character. Dern convinced director Jay Roach to allow her at least three takes for every scene: one underplayed, one "medium," and one way over-the-top, so Roach could help guide her performance.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the first scene, where James Baker is drinking Dr. Pepper, the can he is drinking from was not issued in 2000. However, later on in the movie, this error was corrected and he is drinking out of the older version of the can.

Quotes:

Michael Whouley: [on the phone to Ron] I think the networks have got the wrong numbers. We're still alive.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Jeopardy!: (#26.5)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

I Won't Back Down

"Sir, would like a bulletproof vest?"

This is an emotional roller-coaster that will keep you watching despite knowing how it is going to end. There are very few films which have the ability to suck in an audience so deeply even though they know what is going to happen.

It raises questions about the 2000 election and does a fair job of cramming several weeks into two hours. The performances are pitch perfect and but Laura Dern in particular should win an Emmy for her portrayal of Katherine Harris. Your party affiliation should not prevent you from watching this film as it bounces back and forth between both campaigns without too overtly taking a side.

I don't know how Jay Roach got involved in directing this project, but he redeemed himself for the horrific "Austin Powers in Goldmember".

Watch it.