The American President (1995)

With Valentine's Day on a Presidents' Day weekend, I knew just what to watch: a White House romance. I'd seen this one in a theater, but I could barely follow along at 13 or remember much after 30 years. Even if I could, I'd want to compare my adult perspective.

Amid a reelection campaign, widowed Pres. Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) must continue governmental decisions such as how ambitious a gun control bill to support, what to do about an attack in Libya, and how much reduction of carbon dioxide to endorse. He still finds time to pursue a new love interest, lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), who gradually overcomes her intimidation. The press, of course, pays inordinate attention, and candidate Sen. Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss) sees an opportunity to trash his opponent's morals. Shepherd understandably gives no comment, but that doesn't help his odds of winning a second term -- or Wade's devotion.

Note that Shepherd and Wade do nothing illegal together. Purists may oppose sex outside of marriage, but it's too common for a poll-tipping scandal and hard to prove. She doesn't even work for him in a direct sense. The real controversy is that people don't trust a politician's lover not to have an agenda of leverage, and Wade has a history of extremism, however long ago and lawful. Personally, I'd be more concerned about the most powerful man in the world courting anyone, in case she feels like she can't refuse. And they barely know each other when it begins.

Anyone who's seen The West Wing can't help but notice parallels. Aaron Sorkin writes about a Democratic president trying to reach enough balance for the votes he needs. The music is similar in style. Martin Sheen gets a supporting role as the Chief of Staff, four years before his "promotion" to the guy he has trouble treating like a friend rather than a superior anymore. Both presidents even question the value of a proportionate military counterattack. Wade is verbose and adorkably clumsy, like some TWW women I could name. Several Cabinet members get choice dialog; perhaps the most notable one I haven't mentioned is Michael J. Fox as a beleaguered domestic policy advisor. The language is just a bit saltier than on the TV show, albeit not on the same level as Sorkin-directed movies.

Don't be too concerned if you disagree with Shepherd's political positions and are annoyed at the pushover Republican depiction. The story isn't primarily about any of that. It's an exploration of what could happen in a personal life that gets paper-thin boundaries from public policy.

As such, it mostly works. Many moments get poignant or amusing. You have to stay alert to the rapid lines. I can see how it would inspire something more successful.

I don't love TAP, but it was certainly worth a second viewing. Partly to remind myself how good the direction of the late Rob Reiner was.