“EVEN-HANDED”
Among early reviews, show business paper Daily Variety says the movie is a “clear and plausible take on (Bush’s) psychological makeup and considering Stone’s reputation and Bush’s vast unpopularity, a relatively even-handed, restrained treatment of recent politics.” W. traces Bush’s transformation from a privileged, hard-drinking frat boy to religious convert; his rise from Texas governor to U.S. president and to his decisions in the weeks ahead of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Based on books written by former White House insiders, the filmmakers say W. is intended to ask questions about “a life misunderestimated” – to borrow a famous “Bushism.” Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said the White House had “much more important things to do than comment on this ridiculous movie.” Yet, Stone said he and screenwriter Stanley Weiser had “parked their politics at the door.”

Stone makes Bush’s relationship with his father, former President George H.W. Bush, the dramatic centerpiece of W. The film highlights Bush’s youth as the “black sheep” of the Bush dynasty and it reconstructs his meetings with political and military advisers before the 2003 Iraq invasion. The Iraq issue provides much of the movie’s satire. Bush likens new rules on torture in Guantanamero to his college fraternity initiation. Brolin, who captures the swagger and charm of Bush, said he had initial doubts about taking on the role but on reading the script, he was moved and saddened. “Bush is an exaggerated personality ... We tried to create a drama with the reality of those exaggerations but I don’t think it is bufoonery,” Brolin said.