Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25009 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-05-25
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 111 minutes

Review
An underrated political drama from director Sidney Lumet, who strays outside of his usual New York City confines for a flawed but fascinating tale of Washington, D.C., intrigue that unfortunately didn't hit pay dirt with audiences or critics due to a convoluted mystery plot and some phony domestic drama. While the central scandal at the center of this story proves somewhat anticlimactic, and scenes involving the hero's marital problems ring pretty hollow, what this film is chiefly about is the slick, cynical media manipulation that goes on in political races at every level. Lumet immerses his narrative in the details of exactly how and why it's done, and in these scenes, he renders a fascinating work that's equal parts expos� and primer. Whether advising a client on what to wear, what to say, how to talk, and most significantly, what to believe, or advising a campaign on which voice-over narrator or music to select for an ad campaign, Richard Gere oozes slimy authenticity and nervous, over-caffeinated energy in a scrupulously researched role. Anchored not just by Gere, but also by fine performances from E.G. Marshall and Denzel Washington, Lumet's film frays and crumbles at the edges only when straying too far outside the purview of its protagonist's professional life. That's certainly a serious problem, but not a fatal one by any means. For political process buffs that enjoy films such as The Candidate (1972) and Primary Colors (1998), Power is a solid enough effort to earn a spot on the must-see list. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

On the DVD
Includes interactive menus

Synopsis
A star-studded cast portrays political movers and shakers in this drama about politics and the media. Richard Gere is Pete St. John, a gilt-edged "image" advisor to the likes of powerful and often crooked politicians -- including a South American candidate for the top office in his country and, reluctantly, a conservative industrialist named Jerome Cade (J.T. Walsh). Cade is after a Senate seat vacated by Sam Hastings (E.G. Marshall), a liberal politician who fits in with the views that Pete once upheld. When things start to go wrong, it looks like Cade's gruff advisor Arnold Billings (Denzel Washington) might hold one of the keys to Pete's discovery of the truth about Cade -- and may be the reason why Hastings is leaving his job. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Customer Reviews

A blast from start to finish - plus a message
Maybe I just don't get it. But I've loved this film ever since I first saw it in the eighties, and was mesmerized and thrilled by the opening sequence of Mr Gere practising drumming on a practise drum skin to the music of Benny Goodman's version of SING SING SING with Gene Krupa drumming. An opening sequence does not a movie make, but I knew I was in for an exciting ride with Mr Lumet who has rarely failed to thrill me from his first film TWELVE ANGRY MEN, and thereafter with PRINCE OF THE CITY, THE ANDERSON TAPES, DOG DAY AFTERNOON, NETWORK et al. In POWER, part of the deal is to GO WITH IT, that is, willingly suspend disbelief and take the dramatic ride. For my own part the ability of Pete St John (Mr Gere) to manipulate public opinion and get politicians elected has more than a touch of truth about it and the relish with which St John does his job is fascinating to see - he's a professional without a principled bone in his being and Mr Gere (ironically a professed Budhhist) is brilliant , playing that character. He survives - one of the great lines he gives to his ex-lover (played by Ms Julie Christie) is "don't blame yourself". Those in the film who HAVE principles, either commit suicide (Senator played by the great Mr E.G. Marshall), descend into embarrassing alcoholism (Mr Hackman playing a rival media adviser wonderfully comic) or suffer the apparent loneliness and unremunerative fate of the loser (Ms Christie, though that might be stretching it a bit). I can't think of a parallel to this film but PRIMARY COLORS or NETWORK come close, although this film is superior to it. Mr Maltin, and I guess, many others, have got it badly wrong with this film, as I consider it one of the best political films of all time. It's a blast from beginning to end, fuelled by some of films greatest actors, including DENZEL WASHINGTON, superb set design, pungent writing, and great direction, not to mention GENE KRUPA's drumming. Then again, maybe I just don't get it.

If you like politics, you'll like this.
This gets real technical when dealing with politics. I loved it! The cast is first rate (Gene Hackman is best), and the direction, deft (by veteran Sidney Lumet). If you want to to pay attention to details (or try to understand) it is rewarding. If you want a paranoia thriller, this ain't for you!

With this star-power, you know it's gotta be good.
Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Richard Gere, JT Walsh and a host of other famous faces create an intense political picture. Gere is a political analyst/(person who makes a candidate look good) and he's running several campaigns. Gene Hackman is a nemesis, so-to-speak. Washington seems to meddling around in Gere's work and from there the abuse of power unfolds. This is a good film, I wouldn't say great due to long periods of slowness, but I do heartily reccommend this film.