Our Brand Is Crisis

Our Brand Is Crisis is a 2015 political comedy-drama film directed by David Gordon Green and starring Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton, and Anthony Mackie. The film is based on the documentary of the same name, which chronicles the role of American political consultants in the 2002 Bolivian presidential election.

The story follows Jane Bodine (Sandra Bullock), an experienced political strategist who is recruited to help a struggling Bolivian presidential candidate named Castillo (Joaquim de Almeida) win the election. Castillo is running against a popular opponent, who is leading in the polls, and Jane is brought in to turn the campaign around.

Jane is initially hesitant to take the job, as she has retired from politics and is dealing with personal issues. However, she is convinced to take on the challenge by her former colleague, Nell (Ann Dowd). Jane arrives in Bolivia and immediately clashes with her rival strategist, Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton), who is working for Castillo's opponent.

The film explores the cutthroat world of political campaigning and the lengths that candidates and their teams will go to win an election. Jane and her team employ tactics such as negative advertising, focus groups, and voter data analysis to gain an edge over their opponent. The film also touches on the impact of foreign intervention in domestic politics and the ethical considerations that arise.

Throughout the film, Jane struggles with the morally ambiguous nature of her work and grapples with her own personal demons. She forms a bond with Castillo, who is portrayed as a flawed but well-meaning candidate. The chemistry between Bullock and de Almeida is one of the highlights of the film.

The performances in Our Brand Is Crisis are strong across the board. Bullock delivers a nuanced performance as Jane, conveying the character's intelligence, wit, and vulnerabilities. Thornton is excellent as Pat Candy, bringing a sardonic edge to the role. Mackie is also impressive as Ben, a member of Jane's team who becomes disillusioned with the campaign.

The film is well-directed by David Gordon Green, who balances the comedic and dramatic elements of the story. The cinematography by Tim Orr is also notable, capturing the colorful and chaotic atmosphere of Bolivia.

Overall, Our Brand Is Crisis is a smart and engaging film that offers a unique perspective on the world of politics. The performances are strong, the direction is effective, and the story raises important questions about the nature of democracy and the role of consultants in modern campaigning.