W. (2008)

"W." (2008) is a non-linear cinematic exploration of the life of George W. Bush, one of the most polarizing figures in US history, masterfully directed by Oliver Stone. The film traces Bush's journey from his wild, rudderless college days through his military service, into the heart of Texas as its Governor and then to the pinnacle of power as the US President. One of the key themes Stone delves into is Bush's early struggle to find his path, a young man with ambitions of baseball greatness yet lacking the talent to make it to the major leagues. Concurrently, he is seen grappling with his evolving religious beliefs, led by a powerful "voice of God" that guides him towards unexpected destinations, including the world of politics - a realm he had previously shown no interest in. As the story unfolds, we witness his ascension to the Governorship of Texas and his bid for the presidency, a journey marked by controversial decisions and turbulent times. The narrative highlights his decision to invade Iraq, a move based on shaky intel about Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction. Stone subtly hints at the unspoken goal of oil security behind this decision, while laying bare Bush's binary worldview - a stark division of the world into allies and adversaries. The film also explores the complex dynamics of the Bush family, placing emphasis on the strained relationship between Bush and his parents, particularly his father, George Bush. Despite being the namesake of his father, it's his younger brother, Jeb Bush, who seems to be the natural successor, thus creating an undercurrent of familial tension. "W." is a captivating biographical journey, from the oil fields of Texas to the Oval Office, that beautifully captures the first turbulent four years of George W. Bush's presidency and his consequential re-election campaign. This film provides an engrossing look into the life of a man who found himself at the center of global events, shaping the course of a nation and indeed, the world.

W. is a drama movie featuring Josh Brolin and directed by Oliver Stone.

It is possible to buy W. on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.