With every month that passes social media expands, and as a result, everything becomes more politicized. Everyone now has voice, using it to either shout praises or to air out grievances. This can become a bit much to endure, especially for apolitical people. So sometimes it’s not only wise to retreat back to a simpler time, it’s an absolute necessity. The 90s may not have been an easier time, but it was certainly a simpler time and far less political. The 90s provided movies like Dave, a political yet light hearted film, which is the perfect temporary escape from real politics.
Presidents and congress members are no longer a laughing matter, but that wasn’t always the case. Dave came out in 1993, receiving mostly positive responses from both critics and audiences. The film will be thirty years old in just a little over a year, and when watching it, it’s clear to see just how much the world has changed. ‘Dave’ is played by Kevin Kline. He runs a temp agency and has nothing whatsoever to do with government. On the other hand, he is strikingly close in resemblance to the current President and before long, he is sought after to stand in for the President following a sudden stroke. Hoping to help keep things quiet, Dave does as he’s asked but soon, he involves himself far beyond the bounds of what he was called in for.
Dave won’t peddle ideology, nor will it bring the sides of the political spectrum together, but it does have enough in it to elicit those warm fuzzy feelings.
There’s nothing overly ambitious about this film. It serves no other real point other than to entertain, which is actually the best thing about it. It may be a politically themed movie, but nowhere in it exists a plot to sway viewers on which side of the isle they should stand on. Writer Gary Ross deserves the credit for this. He writes a screenplay about government that is practically devoid of any real political undertones. His aim seems to be more about recognizing how odd a situation like this would be. Kevin Kline, playing both the President and Dave, is superb at making both characters adversarial to each other. He is cold and self-serving as President Mitchell, and caring and charming as Dave. Frank Langella is the White House Chief of Staff, and more or less serves as the antagonist. He fills this void as he has many times before, giving the audience more of a reason to care about what Dave has been asked to do.
Dave won’t peddle ideology, nor will it bring the sides of the political spectrum together, but it does have enough in it to elicit those warm fuzzy feelings. It’s not similar to what Saturday Night Live tries do with politics, though it’s also not a realistic narrative on life within the walls of the White House. Thankfully though, it doesn’t try to be a representation of either. Want politics, or a mockery of the politicians who’re despised most? Turn on Fox or CNN. Looking for a pleasant break from media, real politicians and pundits? Watch Dave.
