Republican Frankenstein

It’s pretty unusual for a director to undergo a complete change of direction so far into a successful career but that’s what’s happened to Jay Roach. The man behind three hit Austin Powers movies and two stellar Meet The Fockers films switched to political TV movies back in 2008 with HBO’s acclaimed drama Recount. It was a change that was also strengthened by Roach’s disinterest in making his next comedy, the disastrous Steve Carrell starrer Dinner For Schmucks, a comedy in any way, shape or form. Fortunately Roach happens to be a dab hand at the ol’ political drama as proved by his Recount follow up Game Change.


This time Roach is interested in the John McCain Presidential Election campaign of 2008 where the Republican candidate chose the infamous Sarah Palin to be his running mate for the Vice Presidency, mainly told from the perspective of the Woody Harrelson’s campaign team. This is riveting stuff showing the choices that lie before a political candidate when navigating their opponent’s strengths, the perception of malleable population and the restraints and reality of the election system. Into this mix comes Palin, a major gamble designed to rally the Republican base and inspire women voters to come and vote for a conservative, right wing agenda. In an award baiting performance, Julianne Moore bring Palin to life in a mix of over confidence, loving mother and wife, and clueless bimbo forced into a situation way beyond her intellect and understanding.

A fascinating behind the scenes story of the making of a monster…not Palin herself necessarily…but the arrogant, lying, God fearing, creationist, fact lacking, greedy, fundamentalist, uncompassionate and dangerous ideologists the modern Republican has become.