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All The King's Men is about the political and social turmoil of an undeveloped, uncivilized third world country called . . . Louisiana. (just kidding Louisiana!)
This movie is a remake of a movie of the same title from the 1940’s. It’s based loosely on the real life of Huey Long who was a politician in Louisiana back in the 40’s. At first, we were wondering why a movie about a governor from back then would make an interesting story for us to watch today…now, after seeing this movie, we’re still wondering. It does have a star studded cast including Sean Penn (Willie Stark) who portrays the governor and Jude Law (Jack Burden) who plays a journalist turned Willie Stark’s sidekick. The movie is about the rise and fall of Willie Stark who starts out being a town treasurer and then becomes Louisiana’s governor. During the making of the governor, Willie Stark goes from a guy that is concerned about the common man to a guy only concerned about keeping his power…at any cost. The story is complete with a number of interwoven side stories that really create more confusion for the audience than entertainment all culminating in a disturbing ending.
In spite of colorful characters, a powerful cast, and impressive, authentic scenery, All The King's Men is a SNOOZE-FEST. Its very deliberate style of cinematography - where routine activities like pouring
a cup of coffee are masterfully captured - makes the movie's pace far too slow. Combining the slow pace with a story that is either too twisted to follow or too boring to matter (we're not sure which) delivers a movie experience that is neither profound nor enjoyable - just tiresome. Sean Penn definitely puts on a show, but his political and moral rantings are difficult to understand and thus quickly become just an endless annoyance. If you need the sleep, then check it out. Otherwise, don't bother because, as is too often the case, All The King's Men, with its tremendous collection of talent and enormous raw potential, is an extraordinary opportunity squandered.
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