Everything is politics. From the moment the 2016 presidential election ended to today, Election Day 2018, we’ve been living through (barely surviving?) an era of unprecedented political activism and consciousness, one in which every aspect of our daily lives has become inextricably tied to this reality show of a presidency.
So what better way to escape than to take a deep dive into the best films about politics and elections Hollywood has to offer? We combed through the entire body of American cinema to find the best fictional films that focus either on a campaign or how the sausage of running the country is made. Whether you’re part of the Blue Wave or you’ve dedicated your life to owning the libs, one thing is certain: Watching any (or all!) of these movies is wayyyyy better than tuning your TV to CNN.
#5. ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (1962)
Photo: Everett Collection
A critically acclaimed 1962 film, this classic (and some would argue timely) film centers around the story of Raymond Shaw, an American soldier taken hostage during the Korean War and brainwashed into unwittingly becoming a deadly sleeper agent for the Communists. When activated, he enters a catatonic state where he helps his handlers win elections the old fashioned way — by assassinating the competition. We are treated to an all-star cast including Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury as the devious Mrs. Iselin and their talents definitely shine in this film which maintains a score of 94 out of 100 on Metacritic.
#4. ‘Primary Colors’ (1998)
Photo: Everett Collection
Yes, it does count as a fictional film! Released in 1998 right when the Monica Lewinsky scandal was engulfing the White House, Primary Colors is a fictionalized telling of the longshot presidential campaign of a lecherous southern governor Jack Stanton, modeled after Bill Clinton and portrayed by John Travolta. The film starts with the Stanton campaign recruiting Henry Burton, a young idealist political operative, to manage the campaign and somehow keep his candidate from blowing everything up with his numerous affairs. It’s funny, realistic (obviously), and an insightful look at the beautiful mess that is a political campaign.
(Excerpt) Read More at: Decider.com