The Special Relationship (2010)

Michael Sheen has made a career out of playing UK Prime Minister Tony Blair -- first in The Queen (about his role in facilitating the national mourning for Princess Diana), then in its prequel The Deal (about his early career and election before Gordon Brown), and now in its sequel The Special Relationship (about the US/UK alliance as seen through his friendship with President Bill Clinton). Randy Quaid plays a very effective Bill Clinton -- although to be honest, his eyes evince quite a bit of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan -- a natural politician who loves his position sometimes a little too well. Hope Davis is quite good as Hillary Clinton -- often the ballbusting legal strategist next to her good-old-boy husband. Of most interest from the UK perspective is how the liberal Tony Blair calls upon divine moral authority and gradually morphs his leadership style into one closer to that of George W. Bush in the run-up to the 2000 presidential election. I like Primary Colors much better than The Special Relationship, but this movie should not be missed by anyone interested in American politics or recent history. Enjoy! 4.5 stars. (6-13-2011, posted 7-2-2016)