Product Description Game Change is a searing, behind-the-scenes look at John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, from the decision to select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as McCain’s running mate to the ticket’s ultimate defeat in the general election just sixty days later. Told primarily through the eyes of senior McCain strategist Steve Schmidt, who originally championed Palin and later came to regret the choice, Game Change pulls back the curtain on the intense human drama surrounding the McCain team, the critical decisions made behind closed doors and how the choice was made to bring Palin on the ticket. The film examines how we choose our leaders by offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of an historic campaign. .com Sarah Palin wasn't heard from much in the months leading up to the 2013 home video release of Game Change. But anyone who's forgotten what they do or don't admire about her need only watch a few minutes of Julianne Moore's uncanny performance as the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice-presidential candidate; so completely does Moore inhabit the role in appearance, voice, and mannerisms that it's easy to mistake her for the genuine article. Not that this HBO film, directed by Jay Roach and written by Danny Strong from the book by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, is an especially flattering portrait of Palin or any of the other featured players, with the possible exception of Ed Harris's Senator John McCain, who's depicted as a fair and decent man caught up in a political tsunami he did little to generate. As the '08 election looms, McCain's team, led by campaign manager Steve Schmidt (Woody Harrelson), sees Palin as a charismatic figure who can match Barack Obama's star power, as well as a devout, pro-life candidate who will satisfy the Republican party's conservative wing. Problem is, they're so impressed by her poise and confidence that they fail to even notice, let alone research, her considerable downside--like the almost total ignorance of issues and lack of intellectual curiosity that result in her not knowing that it's Britain's prime minister, not the queen, who runs the government, or who the United States fought in World Wars I and II, among other jaw-dropping revelations. Moore's Palin isn't a totally unsympathetic character; she's fiercely protective of her family, committed to her principles, and capable of rallying the troops at key moments (such as her acceptance speech at the GOP convention). But this "pit bull with lipstick" image is more than countered by episodes in which she acts like a churlish, borderline irrational child who's more concerned with her Alaska opinion polls than prepping for the ultimately disastrous interviews with Charles Gibson and Katie Couric, after which she blames everyone but herself. In the end, her supporters will claim that the film gives her a bad rap. But others will breathe a sigh of relief that this fascinatingly flawed politician didn't end up a heartbeat away from the presidency. --Sam Graham P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); Additional Features Creating The Candidate The Phenomenon of the Book See more
T**A
The Best Man Won
Julianne Moore was excellent as Sarah Palin.Sarah Palin captured the hearts and minds of many Americans. She became a superstar. She is depicted in this film as grievously lacking in knowledge in many areas, areas crucial to a politician running for Vice President. John McCain's father and grandfather had to pull strings to get him into Annapolis because his High School grades were so low. In 1958, McCain graduated 894 in a class of 899 at Annapolis. Not very impressive! It seems to me, like Sarah Palin, he was lacking in knowledge in a lot of areas.When McCain was in the Hanoi Hilton, he confessed to crimes he did not commit. The N.Vietnamese recorded his confession and played it daily for their people as well for other American military men held in POW camps in N.Vietnam. The Pentagon has a copy of this confession which they will never release. Why is it that McCain is the only one heralded as a hero of the Vietnam war? So many soldiers were tortured and held in POW camps and yet we never hear their names. And these same soldiers never confessed to crimes they never committed.It is certainly for the best that McCain lost the election.More important, it's for the best that Barack Obama won the election.
-**-
Great movie, but so timely for Trump's America
For anyone who is still scratching their heads about how the US got to the point where patriotism gave way to populism, lies and truth both became relative, and a reality star with zero experience could become a President, this film based on the book, and exhaustively researched and corroborated with key players and campaign insiders will connect the dots.TBH - I found Palin's character, as played by Moore to be sympathetic and deserving of respect for standing up for herself and her values. I believe the film does a good job of showing she was exploited and used by the consultants who only wanted her on the campaign to close the gender-gap with women, and the critical decision to pick her as McCain's running-mate without a thorough vetting ultimately threw an novice politician into an arena she was never prepared for with almost no support.Ed Harris does a fine job portraying John McCain, and I am again & again reminded in this film just what a great man of character he was. For example, the manner in which he reflects on the ugly racism hurled at him in the 2000 SC primary (and the decision NOT to use Obama's associations to Rev. Wright in any negative adds) was a deliberate decision to pivot away from populist appeals that would further divide a nation - was true to his campaign motto, "County First".The truth is, we do not get to Donald Trump without understanding how we got Sarah Palin - and ay student of political science, or US History will fully appreciate the importance of this film.
L**Y
As an independent, I thought this movie was fair.
That acting was excellent. I voted for John because of his experience, love for this country and being a fellow veteran. I respected his reaction to the negative comments towards his opponent. He would have been a good President. I think that Sarah Palin was portrayed accurately in this movie though the events that happened. I remember them. I also appreciate that this movie portrays the left leaning news and Hollywood. Many people thought that the SNL characters comments were made by Sarah. They really treated her horribly. She should have listened to her advisers. Sarah is not a stupid woman as portrayed in the media and night talk shows but, she was clearly ignorant on foreign policy. Those things could have been rectified had she listened. My heart went out to her family during the campaign as they were also treated horribly. May John RIP and I hope Sarah's family is doing well.
R**.
Moore is so good at playing Palin, you won't be able tell it's acting
This is my third attempt to post a review: Why does Amazon block reviews with words that are in the movies they show? Good grief!So the McCain campaign was looking for a bold move, and they decided to pick Palin for Vice President and didn’t thoroughly vet her. What. Could. Possibly. Go. Wrong?! This movie will show you in detail. Julianne Moore looks SO much like Palin, I had to look closely at the first ‘news footage’ to tell it was her and not Palin giving an actual interview. I have the upmost respect for Senator McCain and have developed an admiration for his somewhat cantankerous style. I believe that Ed Harris is one of the finest actors of our time so I was somewhat eagle eyed about how he would embody McCain’s mannerisms. I was disappointed that he ignored one of the most well known facts about McCain, that he cannot lift his arms above his shoulders due to the torture he suffered as a POW. This particular physical quirk combined with his belligerent delivery has led the press at times to compare him to Popeye. Favorite lines: “Joe is perfect, we’re both mavericks hated by the a-joles in our parties, it could have a tremendous healing effect on the country…. This is a woman with a gun, John, the base is gonna do back flips… There is a dark side to American populism. Some people win elections by tapping into it…. When you lose the moral high ground to Dick Cheney, it’s time to rethink your life.” It was disturbing to see that the rumors about Obama being a Muslim and not an American apparently flourished during this campaign and Palin was instrumental in fomenting the rumors and lies. She is the female Trump – a true narcissist. When she was getting praise and good press, she was happy, but when she wasn’t, she pouted and threw tantrums. The movie depicts McCain’s character accurately as we are seeing it being played out in current events with the GOP’s unilateral attempts to repeal the ACA. McCain is more than a national hero, he is a national treasure
T**.
It’s one of the better political dramas.
A great cast moves this one along without any significant waste of time and it’s probably much understated considering what we now know about Sarah. There’s also no shortage of humor and that also helps it move along nicely. Julianne Moore steals the show and it’s hard to tell you’re watching an actress rather than the real Sarah. As usual, Woody chews up the scenery but, all-in-all, it’s not disappointing and it didn’t seem like it was nearly 2-hours long.
M**L
Sad but true?
I was highly recommended this by friends who saw it on TV in Ireland. I had to search everywhere to find it and DVD from USA was my only option. As a consequence it would not play on my DVD player in UK....had to watch on PC. Never mind - it was gripping, hilarious, shocking and amazing. That this woman nearly became VP is astonishing. Her undoubted capabilities as well as obvious shortcoming are exquisitely portrayed. A first class documentary film.
K**N
shows not tells
Loved this. Exceptionally well done; the opening scene of Sarah Palin walking around the County Fair with her kids is worth the price of admission alone. Brilliantly acted. Woody Harrelson, fantastic never seen him better; Julianne Moore just epic in every way.They chose a star but they didn’t know what to do with her or how to handle her.Thank God, some might say because she could have been the Veep by now.
D**N
Amazing film!! Accurately played out!! Excellent blu-ray picture!!
Amazing film where Ed Harris portrays John McCain, and Julianne Moore portrays Sarah Palin!! the 2008 campaign is definitely one I'll remember forever!!
C**H
Five Stars
Great!
U**E
Buy the Blu Ray version - it works in UK!
Incredibly good. Blu ray disc works in UK machine. Other disc supplied does not but I knew this.
C**E
Five Stars
I love this movie & have watched it numerous times
H**L
Don't buy it for the Special Features!
Let's be clear: I LOVE this movie. BUT, I bought the DVD for the special features. I already had it on my PVR, I was just really interested in the making of, insights from (I assumed) the lead actors, director, etc, and even in-depth background. Well, the two authors of the book, on which this movie is based, are in it briefly, but the "special features" are sadly lacking in any depth or insights at all. If you want this movie, save your money and get it on Netflix. This is not worth buying for the extras. Sorely disappointed. But again, the actual movie is really good - wonderful acting, well written, and super interesting.
R**H
Amazing portrayal of flawed politicians and a failing democracy
This dramatization of the events presented in the book with the same title, surrounding the desperate choice of a running mate for John McCain that would counter the growing public popularity of Barack Obama is truly amazing in analysis, interpretation, presentation with an honest fairness toward the troubled people involved. The acting is superb. Julianne More is transparently Sarah Palin with awesome accuracy. She certainly ranks among the greatest actors of the age and is always a joy to watch perform. No matter what your politics might be, this movie is a crash course in political science and an insight into the many aspects of American democracy which inherently defeat the notion of democracy indeed.
E**C
passionnant
GAME CHANGE ou la résistible ascension d'une femme sous qualifiée pour un poste trop grand pour elle.Quand la communication et les "spin doctors" prennent le pas sur la politique, quand il faut ratisser l'électorat le plus large possible et que les calculs prennent le pas sur la sincérité du programme présidentiel, une obscure et inculte gouverneur de l'Alaska se retrouve candidate à la vice-présidence des Etats-Unis...Ce téléfilm semble objectif et s'il ne cache pas les limites de Sarah PALIN il présente John McCAIN comme un homme droit et honnete qui assumera jusqu'au bout cette monumentale erreur de casting.A quand un film français de cette qualité sur certains de nos politiciens ??
R**8
Impressionant
Si vous aimez la politique et Julianne Moore, ce film est pour vous, vous vivez la campagne républicaine de l'intérieur et encore une fois, pas à un seul moment vous doutez de voir Sarah Palin à l'écran, Ed Harris en Mc Cain est aussi parfait.Ce film réalisé et joué par des personnes clairement à gauche (sur l'échiquier politique Américain, la gauche, le curseur est au niveau d'un Fillon), n'est pas caricaturale et même si Sarah Palin est clairement ramenée à ce qu'elle est, à aucun moment vous n'aurez de l'antipathie pour elle.Ce film non sorti au cinéma US (trop intello, ou pas assez super héros) est produit par HBO (Mad Men etc.....), et est une oeuvre aussi intéressante que tous les films politiques us des années 70 (Votez Mc Kay.....), et presque meilleur que le film sur Clinton avec Travolta (Primary Colors).
J**.
Julianne Moore
If only the movie was as good as Julianne Moore. It could have been perfect!
A**E
10 on 10
Actors are excellent and the movie is 10 on 10!
C**K
Verfilmung der Sarah-Palin-Kandidatur
Etwas einseitig, aber gut gemacht. Julianne Moore ist großartig.
A**G
American Politics in Alaskan Style!
I will prefer if it had been in 4K HDR format
C**E
Election Game
It is hard to find good movies about politics, but this is a perfect example. Apart from all the political views, this is a story about political passion and strongest determination. Julianne Moore and Ed Harris look more real than the original ones. Moreover, it is interesting to see a plausible and believable representation of the crucial electoral competition for the presidency in 2009.
