From my viewing experience, Rob Reiner's LBJ biopic was weak. Working from a sub par script, it's a C plus at best. Reiner does not have Aaron Sorken writing for him. It shows.
*Not that Reiner takes any filmmaking measures to rectify the problems.
Just to give you an idea of what of we're looking at, cue the opening scene
It's November 22nd, 1963.
Woody Harrelson steps off the plane at Love Field, dressed in ridiculous prosthetics - looking more like Frankenstein's monster than the 36th President. Yes, he is supposed to be LBJ. However, I'm not sure if I can look at this dude's face for another minute - let alone the whole feature.
Meanwhile, up ahead, we see JFK shaking hands with well wishers.
While a film like JACKIE painstakingly recreates Love Field, Reiner does not to the same.
I get the feeling they found a generic airport in San Jose or something, constructed and rolled camera. Nothing like watching a historical biopic, where they shoot in Winnepeg and don't try to cover it up.
Do yourself a favor and look at that actual footage from 11/22/63 versus the movie. You'll see what I mean.
Look, I get it. I may sound like I'm going overboard. But when a filmmaker overlooks details, he or she pulls you right out of the story. Call me nit picky but a GREAT filmmaker does not overlook this stuff - no matter where it falls within the story.
That being said, I'm willing to forgive Reiner. Again, I'm a nit picker and historical junkie. Not sure if the average audience member would know or care -
Unfortunately, the fake ears and noses of LBJ and Lady Bird continue to be a problem. Lady Bird (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh) sports a Wicked Witch of the West Nose.
When your make up team goes too far - it hampers the audience's ability to follow the character or story or hear them talk. As if I'm trying to take the SATs on a glowing green lime paper.
On a brighter note, the screenplay somewhat showcases LBJ's mastery of working the Senate to push through the Civil Rights Bill. Still, Harrelson plays LBJ over the top throughout the process - like a caricature.
Trying to highlight LBJ's moments dealing with other concerns, there's a scene (taken from actual White House recordings) where Johnson requests that a clothing manufacture provide him some pants with an extra spacious crotch. Listening to the actual phone call, Johnson speaks directly, caustically. It's hilarious.
In LBJ, Harrelson's imitates the phone call like he's in a Broadway play. Reiner creates the scene loudly and lusciously - when in reality, if you listen to the call you can tell - Johnson was making it privately, not surrounded by a sea of assistants.
You're off, Rob.
Okay. I'm harsh. You can't fault Reiner too much. You have to be entertaining; it's not a documentary. But it's hard not to compare this film to LINCOLN - which feels like it captures a more accurate tone of a President - even when in Lincoln's case, there's no footage of him.
Anyway, in my opinion - all and all, LBJ isn't horrible. It's sort of watchable and mercifully short. But it's like listening to Three Doors Down instead of Pearl Jam. Or eating at McDonald's instead of In 'N Out.
Gosh, I sound like a snob. But this one is not making the honor roll. If you want to see a better film on Johnson, see LBJ: ALL THE WAY on HBO.
Ted's Grade: C/C plus
Ted Ryan www.DirectorTedRyan.com
*Not that Reiner takes any filmmaking measures to rectify the problems.
Just to give you an idea of what of we're looking at, cue the opening scene
It's November 22nd, 1963.
Woody Harrelson steps off the plane at Love Field, dressed in ridiculous prosthetics - looking more like Frankenstein's monster than the 36th President. Yes, he is supposed to be LBJ. However, I'm not sure if I can look at this dude's face for another minute - let alone the whole feature.
Meanwhile, up ahead, we see JFK shaking hands with well wishers.
While a film like JACKIE painstakingly recreates Love Field, Reiner does not to the same.
I get the feeling they found a generic airport in San Jose or something, constructed and rolled camera. Nothing like watching a historical biopic, where they shoot in Winnepeg and don't try to cover it up.
Do yourself a favor and look at that actual footage from 11/22/63 versus the movie. You'll see what I mean.
Look, I get it. I may sound like I'm going overboard. But when a filmmaker overlooks details, he or she pulls you right out of the story. Call me nit picky but a GREAT filmmaker does not overlook this stuff - no matter where it falls within the story.
That being said, I'm willing to forgive Reiner. Again, I'm a nit picker and historical junkie. Not sure if the average audience member would know or care -
Unfortunately, the fake ears and noses of LBJ and Lady Bird continue to be a problem. Lady Bird (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh) sports a Wicked Witch of the West Nose.
When your make up team goes too far - it hampers the audience's ability to follow the character or story or hear them talk. As if I'm trying to take the SATs on a glowing green lime paper.
On a brighter note, the screenplay somewhat showcases LBJ's mastery of working the Senate to push through the Civil Rights Bill. Still, Harrelson plays LBJ over the top throughout the process - like a caricature.
Trying to highlight LBJ's moments dealing with other concerns, there's a scene (taken from actual White House recordings) where Johnson requests that a clothing manufacture provide him some pants with an extra spacious crotch. Listening to the actual phone call, Johnson speaks directly, caustically. It's hilarious.
In LBJ, Harrelson's imitates the phone call like he's in a Broadway play. Reiner creates the scene loudly and lusciously - when in reality, if you listen to the call you can tell - Johnson was making it privately, not surrounded by a sea of assistants.
You're off, Rob.
Okay. I'm harsh. You can't fault Reiner too much. You have to be entertaining; it's not a documentary. But it's hard not to compare this film to LINCOLN - which feels like it captures a more accurate tone of a President - even when in Lincoln's case, there's no footage of him.
Anyway, in my opinion - all and all, LBJ isn't horrible. It's sort of watchable and mercifully short. But it's like listening to Three Doors Down instead of Pearl Jam. Or eating at McDonald's instead of In 'N Out.
Gosh, I sound like a snob. But this one is not making the honor roll. If you want to see a better film on Johnson, see LBJ: ALL THE WAY on HBO.
Ted's Grade: C/C plus
Ted Ryan www.DirectorTedRyan.com