The Deal (2003)
Directed by Stephen Frears
Genres - Drama, Romance, Thriller |
Sub-Genres - Docudrama, Political Drama |
Release Date - Sep 28, 2003 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 90 min. |
Countries - United Kingdom |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Perry Seibert
British director Stephen Frears' political docudrama The Deal was originally broadcast on Channel 4. The film is based on the real-life events that elevated Tony Blair to the seat of Prime Minister. The film shows how the hard-working, but not head-turning, Gordon Brown (David Morrissey) and the flashy Blair (Michael Sheen), two very opposite personalities, forged a working relationship while opposing Margaret Thatcher's government. When the Labor leader, John Smith, dies of a heart attack, on May 13, 1994, everyone believes Brown will ascend to the top of the party. But that isn't what happens.
The film supposes what happened at a historic dinner meeting between Brown and Blair, at Islington, that led directly to Blair's appointment. This film is loosely based on The Rivals, written by James Naughtie.