Movie Musings: VICE

After watching the trailer, I knew I needed to see VICE before the Golden Globe Awards (which are fast approaching, this Sunday, January 6). The movie is written and directed by Adam McKay, who also wrote and directed The Big Short, an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ book about the demise of Wall Street. 

VICE shares the same quick pace, choppy cuts from scene to scene, and pop culture references as The Big Short, though this time the focus is not on the men behind the financial crisis, but on one man - former Vice President Dick Cheney. 

In the film, actor Christian Bale completely transforms to become Cheney. Not only did he gain weight (it was hard to picture his Batman body under there), but he changed his posture, his gait, the sound and tone of his voice - it was, as they say, method. 

VICE Christian Bale

In his review for Slate, writer Fred Kaplan describes, “Christian Bale is Dick Cheney. The crooked sneer, the staccato growl, the chokehold air of condescension—and Bale, who may be the most chameleonic actor around, goes deep with the portrayal. There are moments in this film that hint at complexity: Cheney’s attachment to his family and incessant desire to please his wife, Lynne (who is also played with full Lady Macbethian fidelity by Amy Adams); his loving support for his daughter, Mary, when she comes out as a lesbian; the anguish when his other daughter, Liz, criticizes gay marriage while running for Congress. If this film had made a personal tragedy or a political thriller or any kind of film about Cheney, Bale would not have had to change his performance one bit.”

Bale plays opposite Amy Adams, cast as his wife Lynne. I’m ashamed to admit that I had no idea how involved Lynne Cheney was in politics. I was still quite young when Cheney became VP, so I was blissfully unaware of his wife’s role in the Republican party. 

VICE Amy Adams

In an interview with The New York Times Magazine, McKay explained the difference between directing his friend and fellow comedian Will Ferrell (they did SNL, Anchorman, Anchorman 2, The Other Guys, Step Brothers and Talladega Nights together) and directing Bale and Adams. He said, “ . . . doing a scene with Ferrell, it’s almost like I’m out there with him,” whereas, working with Bale and Adams on VICE, “it’s very gentle, very subtle. If Ferrell’s a Ferrari, meaning fast and fun, I feel like Bale and Adams are narwhals” — a wondrous species of whale with a unicorn-like tusk, hard to find outside the Far North. “You’re watching them, like: ‘I can’t believe I’m seeing this. I’m gonna shut up. That’s an actual narwhal. You can see the horn!’” That last bit made me laugh out loud. 

In addition to Bale and Adams, Sam Rockwell steps into the role of George W. Bush. He strikes just the right balance between Southern charm and stupidity. In a scene now famous from the trailer, Rockwell (as George W.) chomps down onto a chicken wing, and mid-chew asks Cheney, “So, are we doin’ this thing?” 

VICE Sam Rockwell

Other stellar actors take the screen - Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, Tyler Perry as Colin Powell, Alison Pill (Maggie from The Newsroom) as Mary Cheney, and Jesse Plemons (Landry from Friday Night Lights) as the film’s narrator. 

The movie is a bit long - two hours and twelve minutes - and psyches you out about an hour in with a fake ending (I didn’t ruin anything, calm down). By the end, you are feeling majorly stressed out and in complete awe of all the terrible things Cheney set in motion during his time in the White House. 

VICE leads the pack at this Sunday’s Golden Globes with six nominations - the most for any film this year. The movie is up for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.  

Tell me, have you seen it? What did you think?

*Images courtesy of Annapurna Pictures on YouTube, Entertainment Tonight and IndieWire on Twitter

Comments

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! concept map maker

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! concept map maker

Branding Services's picture

If you set out to make me think today; mission accomplished! I really like your writing style and how you express your ideas. Thank you.
Why can't I get over my ex who treated me badly

seo expert's picture

A to a great degree brilliant blog passage. We are really grateful for your blog passage. fight, law usage You will find an extensive measure of techniques in the wake of heading off to your post. I was absolutely examining for. An obligation of appreciation is all together for such post and please keep it up. Mind blowing work. Competency Demonstration Report for Engineers Australia

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! avvocato matrimonialista

seo expert's picture

I am truly getting a charge out of perusing your elegantly composed articles. It would seem that you spend a considerable measure of exertion and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am anticipating perusing new articles. Keep doing awesome. avvocato penalista

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! เทคนิคบาคาร่า

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! เทคนิคบาคาร่า

seo expert's picture

Taking software training to the next level, CRS Info Solutions has been active in shaping bright career of smart professionals with Real time certification online courses for professionals.  CRS Info Solutions

seo expert's picture

A debt of gratitude is in order for such an extraordinary post and the audit, I am completely inspired! Keep stuff like this coming. cfa summary

seo expert's picture

It is amazingly decent to see the best subtle elements introduced in a simple and understanding way. cfa note

seo expert's picture

해운대오션룸 부산오션룸 공식사이트 오션룸대표 부산오션룸

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! Import From China To The United State

seo expert's picture

This is likewise a decent post which I truly appreciated perusing. It isn't each day that I have the likelihood to see something like this.. bulk craft glitter

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! phenq pharmacie

Jennet's picture

Excellent post. I was constantly checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information, especially the last part. I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time.Regards: download twitter video

Asad Ali Khatri's picture

อัพเดทข่าวสารวงการกีฬา ฟุตบอล ผลบอล ผลฟุตบอลทั่วโลก พรีเมียร์ลีก ไทยลีก ฟุตบอลโลก ยูฟ่าแชมเปี้ยนส์ลีก จากทีมงานซอกแซกดอทคอม เป็นศูนย์รวมทีเด็ดฟุตบอลจากบ้าน ผล บอล zeanstep 7m สปอร์ตพูล baanpolball สยามกีฬา สยามสปอร์ต ดูทีเด็ดฟุตบอล แจกทีเด็ดบอลวันนี้ ดูผลบอลเมื่อคืนนี้ การแข่งขันเกมส์เซียนบอลสุดแม่น สถิติเข้าติดต่อกัน ดูผลบอลสด ผลบอลย้อนหลัง โปรแกรมฟุตบอลประจำวัน ตารางบอลวันนี้ ตารางบอลคืนนี้ ตารางบอลวันพรุ่งนี้ ท่านสามารถเช็คราคาบอลวันนี้ นอกจากบทวิเคราะห์ ทีเด็ดฟุตบอลแล้ว เรายังแจกลิงค์ดูบอลออนไลน์ สมาชิกสามารถติดตามตารางคะแนนฟุตบอลทุกลีกดังได้อีกด้วย เว็บ lomtoe zokzak ไม่สนับสนุนการพนัน เนื้อหาและข้อมูลทั้งหมดเป็นเพียงการวิเคราะห์บอล, สถิติ, ความน่าจะเป็นและการนำเสนอข้อมูลข่าวสารเท่านั้น โดยทางเว็บไม่มีส่วนได้เสียทั้งสิ้นกับทุกข้อความและโฆษณาในเว็บ ดังนั้นจึงไม่ขอรับผิดชอบในทุกๆ กรณี วิเคราะห์บอล บ้านผลบอล ผลบอล ตารางบอล ราคาบอล ดูบอลสด วิเคราะห์บอล

seo expert's picture

A debt of gratitude is in order for such an extraordinary post and the audit, I am completely inspired! Keep stuff like this coming. cfa institute question bank

Jennet's picture

Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though situs indonesia

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! life coaching

seo expert's picture

It's extremely pleasant and meanful. it's extremely cool blog. Connecting is exceptionally valuable thing.you have truly helped bunches of individuals who visit blog and give them usefull data. https://www.garatacouille.com/

seo expert's picture

Groomit Pet Grooming On Demand - First App that connects dog & cat owner with pet groomers - Same Day Availability mobile grooming near me

Asad Ali Khatri's picture

Aluminium ramen Antwerpen. Aluminium ramen en deuren Antwerpen? Zenit is de referentie voor al uw ramen en deuren Antwerpen in aluminium Aluminium ramen Antwerpen

seo expert's picture

This is exceptionally noteworthy, but then essential towards simply click this special backlink: 꽁머니환전

seo expert's picture

Such destinations are imperative since they give a huge measurement of valuable data ... 꽁머니토토사이트

seo expert's picture

Such destinations are imperative since they give a huge measurement of valuable data ... 꽁머니토토사이트

seo expert's picture

It is somewhat great, by and by look at the information with this handle. 먹튀커뮤니티

seo expert's picture

It is somewhat great, by and by look at the information with this handle. 먹튀커뮤니티

Asad Ali Khatri's picture

Walnoten gaan de strijd aan met ongezonde vetten en beschermen de bloedvaten en het hart Wil je walnotenkopen online? Walnoten bestellen doe je bij Allnuts! Walnoten

seo expert's picture

Shocking learning and I seize the opportunity to bestow this kind of information to my mates and desire they like it they why I do.. travel around the world

Harry jack's picture

I wrote about a similar issue, I give you the link to my site. Ethos Genetics Seeds

Asad Ali Khatri's picture

Biotop zwemvijvers. Vrijuit genieten van je tuin met de luxe van een zwembad? Dat kan met een Biotop zwemvijver of eco zwembad van Tuinen Hendrix. Biotop zwemvijver

Asad Ali Khatri's picture

Hazelnoten zorgen voor een gezond hart en beperken het cholesterolgehalte in het lichaam. Wil je hazelnoten kopen online? Hazelnoten bestellen bij Allnuts! Hazelnoten

seo expert's picture

The Land Market is an online listing directory to buy and sell land online in the United States. Sell land online

seo expert's picture

It's extremely pleasant and meanful. it's extremely cool blog. Connecting is exceptionally valuable thing.you have truly helped bunches of individuals who visit blog and give them usefull data. severo legal blog

seo expert's picture

Fly fishing top news website with reviews, gear, Fishing Rods, fly tying, rod building and fly fishing. fly tying

seo expert's picture

王国 百家乐游戏, 提供真人视频平台, API接口, 开设赌场 API接口

seo expert's picture

This post is genuinely incredible. I really like this post. It is remarkable among different posts that I ve read in a long time. You shake for this alright post. I genuinely welcome it! ACOMPANHANTES MASSAGISTAS

seo expert's picture

I am another client of this site so here I saw different articles and posts posted by this site,I inquisitive more enthusiasm for some of them trust you will give more data on this points in your next articles. sattamatka

seo expert's picture

I am truly getting a charge out of perusing your elegantly composed articles. It would seem that you spend a considerable measure of exertion and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am anticipating perusing new articles. Keep doing awesome. matka result

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

More from Molly

Pop.Bop.Shop. In the News