Review of The Deal

The film The Deal elaborates on the relationship of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown during the first years of their political careers. Both men are extremely ambitious, and strive for the party leadership. However their efforts are strikingly different, because of their opposite characters. Blair is eager, always willing to try his luck, and if necessary to subject and serve under a stronger leader. On the psychological level Blair is the extrovert politician, with the ability to show empathy, thus fostering excellent external contacts. He has a disliking for party principles, that might isolate him from society. Brown openly vents his ambitions, and refuses to do tasks, that are below his standards. He is the introvert person, that values the party principles and defends them with ardor and sometimes coarseness (the Labour Party is an association of workmen). Evidently the film The Deal is above all things a character study, and the political background is of only secondary relevance. The story could equally well have portrayed two men, competing for the position of head of the sales department. The political setting is highlighted mainly by the inclusion of footage from live television recordings. For instance we witness a congress of the Labour Party in the eighties, where the crowd sings their hymn The Red Flag. In the mutual relationship Brown makes clear to Blair, that he (Brown) is the primary candidate for the position of party leader. Blair accepts with a mocking overtone. In the mean time party leader Neil Kinnock is defeated by Thatcher, and is replaced by John Smith. When Smith suffers a deadly heart attack, the competition between Brown and Blair reaches its climax. Blair publicly announces his availability as successor, and Brown reacts furiously. He raves: "We had an understanding!" However, it seems that Blair has the better testimonials. His extrovert attitude makes him attractive to the so-called floating voters, who are as yet irresolute. This brings him the support of many party officials, perhaps the majority. Brown has the backing of the traditional Labour strongholds, and a stalemate is forthcoming. Borwn had hoped that the party would prefer him as a matter of course, and apparently fears the confrontation with Blair. Some party officials reproach Brown, that he had never challenged the leadership of Smith. His qualities are called in question. Eventually it is Blair, who reaches out to Brown, and offers him a strong position in a cabinet under his leadership. In addition a vague agreement is made, that Brown will be Blairs successor - rather strange, since both men are of the same age. It reflects the consideration of a senior party official: "What Brown needs, is hope". Surprisingly, Brown accepts, although the job is below his own standard. The film ends here. In 1997 the Labour Party under Blair won the elections, and remained in power until 2009. The Labour Party was reformed, and shifted to the right wing of the social-democracy. Later Blair succumbed to the wishes of Bush with regard to the invasion of Iraq, which made his position within the party untenable. However, even then Brown was unable to topple him. I think that The Deal gives an excellent portrayal of the personal drama, that is attached especially to political careers. In politics a failed candidate can not apply with a competitor, like in business: it is now or never. If you appreciate this type of films, you may consider seeing my reviews of Im Schatten der Macht (Willy Brandt), Jean Jaures, Therese et Leon (Leon Blum), Changer la vie! (Francois Mitterrand), Nynke (Piter Jelles Troelstra) or Den Uyl en de affaire Lockheed (Joop den Uyl). Warning: English subtitles are the odd exception, sorry.