What does the movie Tail Wags Dog about? - briefly
The movie "Tail Wag the Dog" is a political satire that explores the manipulation of public opinion through media. It follows a political consultant who fabricates a war to distract from a presidential sex scandal.
What does the movie Tail Wags Dog about? - in detail
"Tail Wags Dog" is a political satire film released in 1997, directed by Howard Deutch and written by David Mamet. The movie presents a fictional narrative set in the final days of a presidential campaign, where the boundaries between politics and media are blurred to an extreme degree.
The story revolves around a desperate presidential candidate, Senator John Buck, who is trailing far behind in the polls. His campaign manager, Lewis Roth, hires a high-powered public relations consultant, Conrad Brean, to turn the tide of the election. Brean, known for his unorthodox methods, devises a plan to manipulate public opinion by staging a fake war. The idea is to create a national crisis that will unite the country behind the candidate, thereby boosting his approval ratings.
The plot thickens as Brean enlists the help of a Hollywood producer, Stanley Motss, to create a fake alien invasion. Motss, in turn, hires a group of actors to portray the aliens and the military personnel involved in the supposed conflict. The media, eager for sensational news, falls for the ruse, and the public is quickly swayed by the dramatic events unfolding on their television screens.
The film delves into the themes of media manipulation, political corruption, and the power of public perception. It highlights how easily the public can be swayed by carefully crafted narratives, especially when presented through the lens of mass media. The characters in "Tail Wags Dog" are driven by ambition and a desire for power, leading them to employ deceitful tactics to achieve their goals.
The movie features a star-studded cast, including Dustin Hoffman as Conrad Brean, Robert De Niro as Stanley Motss, and Anne Heche as Winifred Ames, a White House correspondent who uncovers the truth behind the fake war. The performances are nuanced, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.
"Tail Wags Dog" is a commentary on the relationship between politics and media, illustrating how the lines between truth and fiction can become blurred in the pursuit of power. It serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of media on public opinion and the lengths to which politicians and public relations experts will go to shape that opinion. The film's sharp wit and satirical edge make it a thought-provoking exploration of modern political and media dynamics.