THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT (1995)
30TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION
Director Rob Reiner and writer Aaron Sorkin marry the political drama to the romantic comedy in this film. Michael Douglas stars as a widowed Democratic president who finds himself drawn to a lobbyist (Annette Bening) for an environmental organization. At the same time, there is plenty of wheeling and dealing over legislation between Douglas and his staff behind the scenes. Key cast members also include Martin Sheen, who plays Douglas’ chief of staff, and Michael J. Fox as his domestic policy assistant. Sorkin’s smart writing features literate characters who intelligently and often wittily weigh in on the issues of the day. The widely praised film later inspired Sorkin to adapt similar ideas to a TV series format: The West Wing. This screening celebrates the 30th anniversary of the film’s release and features a special conversation with director Rob Reiner.
d. Rob Reiner, 114m, DCP
Courtesy of Warner Brothers Classics.