Recount (2008)

recount

Overall it was a good transaction. There were a couple stops in the tape towards the beginning, but after that it was fine. I did not contact the seller, as it was a while before I got around to watching it and didn't know there was a problem when I first got it. They should probably be tested before sending them out, but in all honesty, since the seller did not know I had a problem, I can't complain, because I didn't give them the opportunity to return it or correct the problem... Over all, once you get past the beginning, it is just fine and it came in no time. Would buy from again. October 24, 2008

Democracy at work?

Recount is a dramatization of what went on behind the scenes during the 2000 presidential election. The movie follows the voting process as it played out in Florida, which turned out to be the deciding state in selecting George W. Bush as president. The film stars an impressive lineup of actors, including Kevin Spacey, Dennis Leary, Laura Dern, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley Jr., and Tom Wilkinson.

Though I thought the movie was weighted heavily towards the Democrat point of view, it really did make me think alot about how elections are decided, how control/power is obtained, and what people are capable of when the stakes are really high. Shivers.

Performances were uniformly good, I thought. Laura Dern seems to almost channel Katherine Harris, and all the other members of this ensemble cast are very strong. I particularly enjoyed Tom Wilkinson, because he brought a layered version of James Baker (lawyer for the Bush/Republican interests) to the red side of the movie.

Also, Dave Grusin's haunting, vaguely unsettling piano score for the film was one of its primary triumphs. It captured the mood of the picture perfectly, and its spare strains added soooo much to the scenes in which they were used. October 13, 2008

Art or Life?

It is difficult to separate one's historic memory and political beliefs from a discussion of this excellent HBO production.
On balance I found the legal and strategic detail to be interesting and reasonably accurate as I remember it. The personalities seem real with the exception of Katherine Harris as played by Laura Dern. While Ms Dern's performance is enchanting, it does not reflect the depth of my personal image of Ms Harris' character. Kevin Spacey is, of course, fun to watch in any role he plays.
In ideology, a bit left leaning - but absorbing and ripped from the front pages of the 2000 election for President where the results were unknown for weeks after the election. Great cast, well written and brought to film with skill and an attitude.
I like it - and I am adding this DVD to my personal collection. October 8, 2008

We was ROBBED!

I got a copy of HBO's movie "Recount" and I hadn't worked up enough emotional internal fortitude (I knew it was gonna make me very, very vexed) until now. and sure enough, I *AM* vexed!

The recap of the recount is even more despicable now, with the benefit of panoramic vision and hindsight, than it was then. Unlike the "victors" of the subject election, the made for HBO movie, interwoven with actual News footage, legitimately wins its Emmy as Outstanding Made-for-TV Movie. Laura Dern deserved an Emmy for her spot-on performance as the preeningly vapid, vampy Katherine Harris, Florida Secretary of State, "Good Soldier" in the Bush Army. Repulsive Republican dirty tricks abound. and watch Joe Lieberman who was, even then as Gore's running mate(!) working to serve himself (potential 2004 run) and the Republicans.

Watch the movie (again, if you've seen it before) - it'll fire you up!! Remember what Santayana said:Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer October 4, 2008

Cut from the Same Cloth as ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN

Shadow Watcher
Nobody Drowns in Mineral Lake

Directed by Jay Roach, this 2008 HBO movie is the true story of the 2000 Presidential contest's aftermath when the identity of our nation's next leader was held hostage by Florida's inept, and possibly corrupt, election process.

Kevin Spacey stars as Ron Klain, Al Gore's former chief of staff who heads the desperate effort to re-count the Southern state's votes. Laura Dern is Katherine Harris, Florida's besieged Secretary of State, who is not quite sure how to deal with her tumultuous situation, John Hurt is Warren Christopher, and Tom Wilkinson as James Baker and Bob Balaban as Ben Ginsberg weigh in on the Republican side.

Even though you know how the story is going to end, the suspense will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat.


© Michael B. Druxman, author of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (available December 2008) September 28, 2008

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