The Perils of Political Consulting: A Deep Dive into “Our Brand Is crisis” and the Export of American Campaign Tactics
“Our Brand Is Crisis,” starring Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton, attempts a sharp critique of American political consulting abroad. However, the film ultimately stumbles, prioritizing a feel-good narrative over nuanced exploration. As someone whoS spent years observing – and occasionally participating in - the world of political strategy, both domestically and internationally, I find the film’s shortcomings especially frustrating. Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and why this movie, despite its stellar cast, feels…underdeveloped.
A Premise Ripe with Potential
The film centers on Jane Bodine (Bullock), a once-renowned campaign manager pulled out of self-imposed exile to salvage a presidential election in a fictional Bolivian nation. Her opponent? Pat Candy (Thornton), a cheerfully manipulative strategist who embodies the worst excesses of American-style campaigning. The setup is compelling. You’re immediately presented with a fallen hero, a morally ambiguous antagonist, and a high-stakes international arena.
Though,the film telegraphs its punches early. Headlines proclaiming Jane’s past failures and constant reminders of her isolated life (“no kids, no family, no life”) feel heavy-handed. Rather of showing us her disillusionment, the movie tells us repeatedly.
A Cast Underutilized: The Biggest Missed Opportunity
What’s truly disappointing is the wasted potential of the supporting cast. Anthony Mackie, Ann Dowd, Scoot McNairy, and Zoe Kazan – all incredibly talented actors – are relegated to roles that primarily exist to ask questions the audience already has.
They serve as exposition dumps. Rather of organically revealing character motivations and campaign dynamics, they simply verbalize plot points.
Their professional expertise feels absent. These characters are supposedly seasoned campaign operatives, yet they consistently display a surprising naiveté about the realities of modern politics.
The lack of depth hinders engagement. You never truly connect with these individuals, making it tough to care about their contributions to the campaign.
The Candy-Bodine dynamic: A Fizzle, Not a Bang
The central conflict between Jane and Pat Candy is meant to be the film’s driving force. Their history, hinted at as a past professional entanglement, should be a source of intense tension. Unfortunately, Bullock and Thornton never quite find a rythm.
Their scenes together feel disjointed,like two actors performing in separate movies. The promised “Sicilian blood feud” feels more like a polite disagreement. This lack of chemistry undermines the emotional core of the story.
Ideological Ambiguity and the Audience’s Dilemma
“Our Brand Is Crisis” attempts to grapple with the ethics of exporting U.S. campaign tactics and ideology.It raises questions about whether American consultants are simply imposing their values on other cultures. However, the film together wants you to root for Jane and her team to win.
this creates a basic conflict. You’re asked to question the morality of their actions while simultaneously desiring a satisfying victory. The film never fully resolves this tension, leaving you feeling somewhat conflicted.
Echoes of “Sicario” and the Power of Moral Complexity
Interestingly, the film shares thematic similarities with Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario.” Both feature idealistic female protagonists confronting the uncomfortable truth that their actions contribute to a larger,morally compromised system.
Though, ”Sicario” embraces this ambiguity, offering a bleak and unsettling portrayal of the drug war. “Our Brand Is Crisis,” in contrast, opts for a more palatable ending. Jane’s single “right thing” is presented as a way to redeem her past, a neat resolution that feels unearned.
Key Takeaways for Understanding the Landscape
If you’re interested in the real-world implications of this film, consider these points:
The U.S. has a long history of involvement in foreign elections. This involvement often takes the form of providing campaign expertise and funding.
American campaign tactics aren’t always transferable. What works in the U.S.may not resonate with voters in other cultures.
Ethical considerations are paramount. Political consultants working abroad must be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions.
* The line between helping and manipulating can be blurry. Its
