Wag the Dog, a 1997 political satire, remains a chillingly relevant film that explores the manipulative nature of politics and the power of media. Directed by Barry Levinson, the film stars Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman as a cynical spin doctor and a Hollywood producer, respectively, who are tasked with creating a fabricated war in Alabania to distract the public from a presidential sex scandal.
The film’s satirical edge is razor-sharp. It masterfully depicts how easily public opinion can be manipulated through the skillful orchestration of media events, manufactured crises, and carefully crafted narratives.
The performances are superb, with De Niro and Hoffman delivering their lines with a cynical wit that perfectly captures the film’s dark humor.
The impressive supporting cast includes Woody Harrelson, Anne Heche, Denis Leary (The Ref), Willie Nelson, Kirsten Dunst and William H. Macy.
While Wag the Dog is undeniably a dark comedy, it also serves as a sobering commentary on the state of modern politics. The film’s exploration of the blurred lines between reality and perception, and the cynical exploitation of public fear and emotion, feels eerily prescient in today’s hyper-partisan political climate.
Wag the Dog (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Wag the Dog
Wag the Dog opened in limited release on Christmas Day in 1997, and went into wide release on Jan. 9, 1998, grossing $7.8 million en route to its $43.1 million total gross.
Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars in his review, saying “The movie is a satire that contains just enough realistic ballast to be teasingly plausible; like Dr. Strangelove, it makes you laugh, and then it makes you wonder.”
The film was also ranked No. 10 on Ebert’s The Best 10 Movies of 1997 list.
Legacy
Wag the Dog is a masterful satire that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you questioning the information you consume and the narratives that shape our world.
