This movie isn't really 'about' anything in particular. As Sayles himself said--though not quite so bluntly--this was basically an attack piece against George Bush, and as such is an arrogant waste of time and talent, particularly for an independent filmmaker who typically doesn't have blood in the teeth like, well, let's use Michael Moore as an example.
In addition to the fundamental motivation for making this film, there were a few other misses. Colorado, while providing a nice and too-rare backdrop for a film, wasn't the right choice when playing the Chicano card, as Sayles tried to do here. Arizona or New Mexico would have been better.
Nonetheless, it does have some redeeming qualities. Chris Cooper was terrific as Dickie, and this character as written and performed DID reflect some of the least complimentary characterizations of George W--that he is a puppet of political insiders smarter and more cynical than he, that he is not the brightest bulb in the box, and that he has a love-hate relationship with the English language.
This was one of the best roles for Daryl Hannah in a long time, and it was nice to see her in something that gave her things to chew on.
Dreyfuss played the political operative fairly straight and tended to steal the scene from whoever he was playing it with.
But the nice ensemble couldn't overcome Sayles overblown ambitions on this one.
In addition to the fundamental motivation for making this film, there were a few other misses. Colorado, while providing a nice and too-rare backdrop for a film, wasn't the right choice when playing the Chicano card, as Sayles tried to do here. Arizona or New Mexico would have been better.
Nonetheless, it does have some redeeming qualities. Chris Cooper was terrific as Dickie, and this character as written and performed DID reflect some of the least complimentary characterizations of George W--that he is a puppet of political insiders smarter and more cynical than he, that he is not the brightest bulb in the box, and that he has a love-hate relationship with the English language.
This was one of the best roles for Daryl Hannah in a long time, and it was nice to see her in something that gave her things to chew on.
Dreyfuss played the political operative fairly straight and tended to steal the scene from whoever he was playing it with.
But the nice ensemble couldn't overcome Sayles overblown ambitions on this one.