(1998)
4
Lucia Bozzola
As co-producer, co-writer, director and star, Warren Beatty puts his political and comedic cards on the table in his pungent satire of the 1990s political system in Bulworth. As a corrupt California senator rejuvenated by telling it like it is, love for enigmatic Halle Berry, and immersion in African American pop culture, Beatty pokes fun at his own image as an aging rebel-turned-Establishment figure while critiquing the state of American politics in the Bill Clinton era. Inspired by Amiri Baraka's metaphorical griot, Bulworth's shift to expounding the truth in rap becomes a spectacle of deeply serious comedy as he takes aim at the corporate control of politics, and race/class divisions. Oliver Platt's frantic spin doctor, Laurie Metcalf's C-SPAN reporter, Don Cheadle's reformed drug baron, Paul Sorvino's insurance executive, and Christine Baranski's jaded political wife further underline the humorously pointed message about political and media hypocrisy. A rare Hollywood film in its overtly confrontational stance, Bulworth provoked debate over racial stereotyping and ideological intent, but critics, black and white, were also impressed by Beatty's boldness as well as the excellent performances, polished production and sharp wit. As co-writer with Jeremy Pikser, Beatty earned his 14th Oscar nomination for Bulworth's screenplay.
Bulworth on AllMovie
Bulworth (1998)
