Death of a President (2006) with Ryan and Kevin from 'The Almost Presidents Podcast'

Review It Yourself

Ryan and Kevin from 'The Almost Presidents Podcast' return to discuss this forgotten British documentary film which depicts the fictional assassination of George W. Bush, in Death of a President (2006).

Discussion Points:

-This one really pushes the No Politics rule. Sean "cops-out" by saying that they are discussing history.

-Sean recalls the controversy around the film when it first aired in the UK.

-The trickery and special effects used to portray the events in this film.

-Kevin and Ryan discuss their thoughts on the film.

-Sean believes the film could be a comment on the British involvement in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

-Sean does a quick-tour of the 'Special Relationship' between American and Britain since the Second World War.

-The clever assimilation of facts from other Presidential Assassinations and Assassination attempts.

-The use of footage from Ronald Reagan's funeral.

-The impact of fear.

-The lack of any lasting impact from this film.

-Ryan and Kevin consider whether the film was too inflammatory.

Raised Questions:

-Did the British film-makers use this film as an analogy for British involvement in 'The War on Terror'?

-Was the film too provocative in it's premise?

-Would it have worked better as a courtroom drama?

-Does the film touch on a lot of subjects, but not dive enough into any of them?

-Wouldn't you find your fingerprints all over the office where you work?

-Why did the set the shooting of Bush outside of a hotel?

-What are the links between this film and Chicago Fire (2012)?

-Do films affect and mould social memory?

-Was the film too of its time?

-Is the film a victim of its own premise?

-Was the film a bit too slow at times?

-Can you ever 'win' when discussing politics?

-Why has Sean been keeping an eye out for Al Gore news?

Random Recommendations:

-The West Wing (1999-2006).

-24 (2001-2010).

-Cheers (1982-1993) Season 1, Episode 16 'The Boys in the Bar', aired in 1983.

-Parkland (2013)-Tom Welling is the actor.

Thanks for Listening!

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