10 movies the new President should learn from
November 3rd, 2008 by BarakA new American President will be elected on November 4. Whether Barack Obama or John McCain, here are 10 pieces of important advice from the movies for our new president.
10. Be imaginative and sincere as your campaign comes to an end.
Bulworth (1998)
This surprisingly entertaining political comedy features a funny, magnetic Beatty as disillusioned politician Bulworth. He’s arranged his own assassination but decides he wants to live after all – and so he begins to tell the complete truth at all times, not worrying about the repercussions. Oh yes, and he starts rapping….
9. Be smart. Show us you didn’t get there by chance.
Being There (1979)
In this clever satire/comedy of errors, a dimwit by the name of Chance becomes a very influential man in politics without ever intending it. Peter Sellers is marvelous as the always-deadpan cipher in whom everyone sees whatever they need.
8. Have a sense of humor.
Man of the Year (2006)
Robin Williams and Barry Levinson reunite for this political comedy in which Tom Dobbs, host of a comedy talk show who’s fed up with the political system, decides to run for president. It’s a fast-paced, seriocomic look at 21st-century America.
7. Be orderly. Don’t bring chaos to the White House and the world.
Ali G Indahouse: The Movie (2002)
In this hilarious satire, Ali G joins an evil Chancellor’s plot to expel the Prime Minister of Great Britain. The British wannabe gangsta appears so infernally clueless that the Chancellor (Charles Dance) believes he will easily manipulate him in the campaign to oust his nemesis. He doesn’t count on Ali G’s ability to unknowingly stumble into greatness…
6. Love and be loved.
The American President (1995)
Love isn’t easy, especially when you’re President. And politics aren’t easy when your love life gets in the way. Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), charismatic President and eligible widower, learns this the hard way when he falls for lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening).
5. Have a stable tenure, kind of like Queen Elizabeth’s.
The Queen (2006)
Helen Mirren delivers a royally stirring performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Stephen Frears’ fictional romp. What begins as a humorous critique of the stuffy royal family becomes an unexpectedly sympathetic portrait of a woman who carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders. A devilishly clever script and expert performances make the film an exhilarating ride.
4. Don’t start unnecessary wars.
Duck Soup (1933)
In this laugh-out-loud spectacle of politics gone haywire, Groucho, leader of Freedonia, frustrates his cabinet and offends the aggressive neighboring country to the point of war. Chico and Harpo are foreign spies. Verbal byplay and one-liners abound. A must-see, considered by many critics to be the Brothers’ funniest movie.
3. Be an idealist.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
In this classic Oscar winner, Mr. Smith finds nothing but deep-rooted corruption when he ascends to Capitol Hill. Refusing to submit to cynicism, he tirelessly takes the message of the American people right to their out-of-touch representatives.
2. Be peaceful. Do your best to avoid violence.
Gandhi (1982)
The acclaimed dramatization of the life of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi: from his beginnings as a South Africa-educated lawyer through his historic struggle to free India from British colonial rule. This classic biopic won 9 (!) Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.
1. Be ethical and just - not cruel and corrupt.
The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Idi Amin’s horrific reign of Uganda is shown through the eyes of a fictional character, a young idealistic doctor from Scotland who travels to Uganda hoping to do good. The film belongs to Forest Whitaker: as he shifts from charming to maniacal in the space of a breath, he infuses Amin with startling humanity.
Want even more politics? Search on Jinni.com for:
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Feel free to add your thoughts below. And vote tomorrow!
Popularity: 17% [?]
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
If the new president would just take 3 pieces of advice from this list, we’ll have a better country.
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November 3rd, 2008 at 8:12 am
some nice references to previous presidents’ step and missteps here
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November 3rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Wow, that isa really cool article. Well written indeed.
Jiff
http://www.Privacy-Center.net
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November 3rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I like this list there are some good ones on there!
You should have added a footnote that told them to watch the entire series of West Wing too - there will be enough close-to-real-life situations to give them a good idea about just about anything in the white house! :D
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November 4th, 2008 at 2:18 am
I’m a big fan of the West Wing as well but i do believe it’s closer to what the public wished the white house to be (run by smart people with integrity and always a witty dialog line falling apropos). Still, theses are good advices for the future president.
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November 5th, 2008 at 1:06 am
#1 ought to be “Air Force One” and the lesson to be learned
is “integrity.”
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November 5th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I agree with the tenets that list offers our new President. Well done.
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November 6th, 2008 at 2:23 am
Actually, Day 2 after the elections i realize there’s one lesson we’d hope our presidents elect would learn: ” keep your promises”.
Though i have to admit the public tends to forgive and forget broken promises
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November 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
[...] if I were Mr. Obama, here are 10 pieces of important advice from movies that I would listen [...]
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November 11th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
i have a feeling that obama has seen most of these films…and the west wing…so fingers crossed.
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November 15th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I think you could be on to something with that thought.
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January 14th, 2009 at 1:32 am
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April 5th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Thank you for this. Very interesting post.
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