THE WAR ROOM

(1993) Director: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker

DVD
NETFLIX

SUMMARY:

A look inside the 1992 presidential race, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hedgus' documentary The War Room explores the backstage side of national politics by examining the day-to-day operations of Bill Clinton's campaign staff. The behind-the-scenes leader of the group is James Carville, the demonstrative, charismatic campaign manager who relies on a plain-speaking manner and emotional appeals to motivate his subordinates. He is complemented by the quieter, smoother personality and photogenic looks of young press spokesman George Stephanopoulous. The filmmakers follow these two contrasting personalities from the January New Hampshire primary to Clinton's eventual victory, as they attempt to cling to an overall strategic plan while dealing with unforeseen problems and negative press, as their candidate is saddled with accusations of adultery and draft-dodging. Subplots include the rivalries between Democratic campaign staffs -- which can become amusingly petty, as when they accuse each other of tearing down campaign posters -- and the romantic relationship between Carville and Mary Matalin, chief strategist for George Bush's campaign. Co-director D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Don't Look Back, Primary) is renowned as an innovator in the use of cinema-verite, used here to show both the mundane complications and the emotional highlights of the modern political process. - Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

VIDEO: FULL FEATURE



PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
PART 5
PART 6
PART 7
PART 8
PART 9
PART 10

REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, CREDITS:

• DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus discuss making The War Room (BBC.com)
• DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus video interview
• Rotten Tomatoes reviews

NOTES:

• DA Pennebaker's first film Daybreak Express
• Pennebaker started his career working for Drew Associates headed by Robert Drew. Others working for Drew at the time included Richard Leacock and Albert Maysles.
• The film was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary.
• Pennebaker Hegedus Films official site