The Untold True Story That Changed The Course Of History|Dec. 25, 2018|United States|132 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;History
Description: Vice (2018) is a biographical film that chronicles the life and political career of Dick Cheney. The story begins in 1963, when Cheney, after dropping out of Yale University due to alcoholism, works as a lineman in Wyoming. After being caught driving under the influence, his wife, Lynne Cheney, urges him to turn his life around or risk losing her. By 1969, Cheney secures a position as a White House intern during the Nixon Administration. Under the mentorship of Donald Rumsfeld, Nixon’s economic adviser, Cheney develops into a skilled political operator, balancing his professional ambitions with his family life. A pivotal moment occurs when Cheney overhears Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon discussing the secret bombing of Cambodia, which exposes the immense power of the executive branch to him. Following Nixon’s resignation, Cheney rises to become White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, while Rumsfeld assumes the role of Secretary of Defense. This political reshuffle is later dubbed the “Halloween Massacre.” During this time, Cheney is introduced to the unitary executive theory by a young Antonin Scalia.
After Ford’s presidency ends, Cheney runs for Congress in Wyoming. Despite a lackluster campaign speech and suffering a heart attack, his wife Lynne’s efforts help him secure a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout the Reagan Administration, Cheney advocates for conservative, pro-business policies, particularly favoring the fossil fuel industry. He also supports the elimination of the FCC fairness doctrine, paving the way for the rise of Fox News, conservative talk radio, and increasing political polarization in the United States. Cheney later serves as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush during the Gulf War. On a personal note, Cheney and Lynne come to terms with their younger daughter, Mary, coming out as lesbian. Although Cheney initially considers running for president, he ultimately decides to retire from public life to shield Mary from media attention.
Cast director: Adam McKay
Cast actor: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Shea Whigham, Eddie Marsan, Stefania LaVie Owen, Adam Bartley, Alfred Molina, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Tyler Perry
Original name: Vice