warren beatty returns to the screens in the funniest , craziest and hard hitting movie in his career .
based on a story concocted by himself , and also written by beatty , bulworth gives a good insight of what beatty thinks of the american government system .
beatty stars as senator jay bulworth , who’s going through a nervous breakdown .
after hiring someone to kill him , he completely changes his campaign strategy and tells the honest truth about what’s _really_ happening in american politics , much to the annoyance of assistant dennis murphy ( platt . )
instead of everyone hating him , the american public love him .
however , inside his party , more people want to kill him than just the hired assassin .
and he also strikes a relationship with black girl nina ( berry . )
it’s remarkable that this film was released at all .
much more open than the rather subdued primary colours , bulworth barely gives the american politic system a good name .
the outrageous remarks bulworth makes to his potential voters are very funny , and also somewhat true .
it’s great that beatty isn’t afraid to let loose on a subject .
talking of beatty , he’s excellent in the role of the demented senator , clearing having fun .
and seeing warren beatty have fun is a rare sight indeed .
even in dick tracy , he was the most straighten face actor .
( then again , he was the only characters face we could completely see . )
the film gives an opportunity for the 61 year old beatty to indulge in some rapping , which he does with gusto ( and also quite well . )
and seeing beatty as a ‘homeboy’ has to be seen to be believed .
it’s nice to see that beatty can laugh at himself .
second best is oliver platt as the flustered , coke snorting assistant , who goes over the top when he finally snaps .
halle berry is fine , and sexy , as the intellectual nina , who comes to like the senator .
also popping up in the supporting cast is paul sorvino wit h a strange accent , laurie metcalf as the exact same characters she’s also played , and christine baranski of cybill fame as bullworths wife , who all contribute to the fun .
and , this being a political film , the ubiquitous larry king makes an appearance , as , * shock * , himself .
the writing and directing , both by beatty , are above par .
the direction is very nearly sitcom like , but suits the film perfectly , and both the politics are gangland parts are handled well .
the script is funny , and the raps are actually well produced and humorous , and quite clever .
they’re not cringe inducing , at least .
the script makes many points about society in america today , and isn’t afraid to make any bold statements about what is a flawed system .
best of all , the film is thought provoking , but directed and written in such a way that the film feels as light as a feather , and is very entertaining .
there’s also a great rap soundtrack with some well chosen tunes .
bulworth is a film with many advantages , and few flaws .
perhaps it could be somewhat embarrassing to see a 61 year old man rapping , but beatty does it so well it’s irrelevant .
in fact , there’s very little against bulworth , except for the language which is very heavy , but then again it should be expected .
bulworth , then , is well worth watching .
a david wilcock review ? 1999
” you know , for kids ” – norville barnes