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James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, Bill Clinton, Heather Beckel, Paul Begala

A look inside the 1992 presidential race, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hedgus' documentary The War Room explores the backstage side of national politics by examining the day-to-day operations of Bill Cli... read more read more...nton's campaign staff. The behind-the-scenes leader of the group is James Carville, the demonstrative, charismatic campaign manager who relies on a plain-speaking manner and emotional appeals to motivate his subordinates. He is complemented by the quieter, smoother personality and photogenic looks of young press spokesman George Stephanopoulous. The filmmakers follow these two contrasting personalities from the January New Hampshire primary to Clinton's eventual victory, as they attempt to cling to an overall strategic plan while dealing with unforeseen problems and negative press, as their candidate is saddled with accusations of adultery and draft-dodging. Subplots include the rivalries between Democratic campaign staffs -- which can become amusingly petty, as when they accuse each other of tearing down campaign posters -- and the romantic relationship between Carville and Mary Matalin, chief strategist for George Bush's campaign. Co-director D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Don't Look Back, Primary) is renowned as an innovator in the use of cinema-verite, used here to show both the mundane complications and the emotional highlights of the modern political process. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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79% liked it

2,258 ratings

Critics

95% liked it

21 critics

PG, 1 hr. 36 min.

Directed by: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker, D. A. Pennebaker

Release Date: October 13, 1993

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DVD Release Date: November 10, 1998

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Stats: 147 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (147)

  • fb20312798
    April 14, 2012
    fb20312798
    Whats interesting is that the film is less of a story of Clinton's '92 Presidential Campaign, and more of a character study of James Carville and George Stephanopolous who organized (and arguably won) the race for Bill Clinton. The makers of this documentary were given remarkably... read more close access to some very private moments and they capture the serious ups and down for the behind the scenes workers. Really whats most intriguing is the marriage of Carville to Mary Matalin, who was one of the top members of Bush's '92 Re-election campaign. There are some great cuts back and forth between Matalin and Carville bashing the others political party to the media.
  • jolac9677
    November 18, 2007
    jolac9677
    I'm a Clinton fan, so this was really interesting to watch. James Carville is such an intelligent man.

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Critic Reviews

Christopher Long
May 1, 2012
Christopher Long, Movie Metropolis

It's so intoxicating that sometimes it's easy forget we are, in effect, watching a couple of pitch men selling that year's newest brand of soap. Full Review

Matt Brunson
April 25, 2012
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing

Illustrates in often amusing detail how the Clinton team managed to overcome petty hostilities and seize the day -- and the White House. Full Review

Louis Proyect
October 4, 2006
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews

Politics as sporting event run by wonks. Fascinating but repellent in trademark Pennebaker-Hegedus fashion. Full Review

Rob Vaux
December 4, 2002
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium

An invaluable record of Bill Clinton's unlikely rise to the White House.

Bob Bloom
August 22, 2002
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

A top documentary; behind the scenes at how a political campaign is run.

John A. Nesbit
February 10, 2002
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

Backroom politics has now been exposed-a high stakes game, but no mystery. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Todd McCarthy
July 2, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Charles Hagen
May 21, 2003
Charles Hagen, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

No review available.

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  • Quote: "Gentlemen. You can't fight in here. This is the war room!" What is the movie?  Answer »
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