Polianiac

Wayne Slater, co-author of Bush’s Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential (2004) published a first clip of Oliver Stone’s “W.” on his Dallas Morning News blog on Monday. This was my first face-to-face encounter with all the actors included in Stone’s film. For me, there were some shockers…

Yes, Josh Brolin will play “W” or “Junior”, as he is called by Poppy (G.H.W.) Bush played by James Cromwell. The wonderful Ellen Burstyn has been cast in the role of Barbara Bush, while Elizabeth Banks portrays Laura Bush.

Richard Dreyfus has been cast as V.P. Dick Cheney. This really is not surprising given Dreyfus’s preparatory role as ‘Senator Bob Rumson’, a hard hitting conservative slime-ball with an eye toward the presidency in The American President (1995). British actor Toby Jones has been cast as Karl Rove. This might be the biggest challenge for a British actor since Vivian Leigh was cast as Scarlett O’Hara; however, Mr. Jones does seem equal to the challenge. In 2002, Jones was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role—the irony does not stop here. The award was for his performance in a play entitled, “The Play What I Wrote”—Okie dokey, Mr. Toby Jones is definitely Karl Rove…

And then, my jaw dropped: Scott Glenn has been cast as Donald Rumsfeld. Scott Glenn: my “Silence of the Lambs” (1991), “Hunt for Red October” (1990), “Silverado” (1985) hero? “The Right Stuff” (1983) Scott Glenn? Personal pout aside, there could be consolation in that Scott Glenn might just get it right.

Stone has certainly assembled a superb cast for this project—too bad the real cast of characters wasn’t as accomplished. The release of “W.” is rumored for October release and if so, it won’t be a surprise. Why don’t we all contact Mr. Stone and suggest that “W.” might be end of November fare. Then we can sit back and enjoy it along with turkey, dressing, and in anticipation of other coming gifts…

Here is the trailer… Get the popcorn ready!