The American President

During an election year, a popular widowed U.S. President falls deeply in love with a sharp environmental lobbyist, sparking a nationwide media frenzy and political smear campaign that threatens to derail his legislative agenda and reelection campaign.

A wonderful Rob Reiner film that expertly combines comedy, drama, romance and even some sociopolitical commentary, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT chronicles the newfound romance of a lonely widower (Michael Douglas) who happens to be the President of the United States. And having a sexually-frustrated president who exercises the pocket veto in the absence of female companionship can never be a good thing. So when Douglas finds himself actually about to make a pass at Janet Reno, he decides it might be time to find a first lady.

In walks Annette Bening, an environmental lobbyist who’s trying to make sure Douglas will support a fossil-fuel bill to be sent to Congress. And something about the 97-octane perfume she wears gets to Douglas, so he asks her to a state dinner, your average first date. One thing leads to another and soon he’s emancipating her in the Lincoln bedroom. Interestingly enough, five minutes into the act, a tour guide leads a group of tourists into the bedroom… “And this is the Lincoln bedr–OH MY GOD!”

As it has a propensity to do, the press soon finds out about the fling. The cabinet, which includes Michael J. Fox and talented character actor David Paymer, is appalled, knowing Douglas’ main opposition, an evil Republican senator (Richard Dreyfuss) will have a field day smearing Douglas with the affair. Of course, in Hollywood, the phrase “evil Republican” is all but redundant. One of the few faults of THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT is its portrayal of the right wing as heartless and incompetent and liberals as the world’s humble messiahs.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT features first-rate writing, directing and acting. Surprisingly, even Michael J. Fox has graduated from the superficialities of sitcoms to the world of dramatic acting. And as usual, Bening, Dreyfuss and Paymer all give good performances. Douglas shines in what is the second Hollywood version of Bill Clinton and seems to have mastered Clinton’s mannerisms. This is definitely a terrific romance comedy that is believable, intelligent and touching, standing tall among classic Hollywood features reviewed on MovieToWatch.

Widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) enjoys sky-high approval ratings as he enters a pivotal election year, aiming to pass two centerpiece legislative initiatives: a moderate crime control bill and a major energy conservation package. While meeting with his West Wing staff, he encounters Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), a passionate environmental lobbyist representing the Global Defense Council.

Charmed by her candor and intelligence, President Shepherd invites Sydney to attend a White House State Dinner for the President of France as his official date. Their connection quickly blossoms into an earnest romance, but the intense glare of the 24-hour media circus immediately turns their private relationship into a national tabloid obsession.

Seizing an unexpected political opportunity, Shepherd’s chief conservative rival, Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss), launches a scorched-earth character assault questioning the President’s family values and patriotism. As poll numbers crater and Shepherd attempts to compromise on his legislative principles to maintain political capital, he risks destroying both his presidency and his relationship with Sydney.