Bulworth

Bulworth. 1998 20th Century Fox.
Starring: Warren Beatty, Halle Berry, Oliver Platt, Don Cheadle, Paul Sorvino, Jack Warden, Isaiah Washington, Christine Baranski, Amiri Baraka
Director: Warren Beatty
Available at Amazon.

Senator Jay Bulworth (Beatty) is losing his re-election bid to a fiery young opponent, which leads to a nervous breakdown. After going without sleeping or eating for three days, he takes out a $10 million insurance policy on himself while arranging his own assassination. The policy is arranged in exchange for a favorable vote for the insurance policy. With only a few days to go, Bulworth undergoes a drastic turn politically and personally. Drinking before a scheduled speech at an African-American church, the senator throws out his prepared speech in favor of improvising truthful remarks to any questions directed to him. Most of the churchgoers are horrified, but Bulworth gains one notable new follower, Nina (Berry). She and two of her friends get a ride in Bulworth's limo to an after-hours club where the senator gains respect for hip-hop culture, which he exploits fully at later public appearances.

Bulworth's new attitude makes him a media sensation, which also re-energizes his campaign. He also learns that Nina was the one given the hit contract, but refused to carry out the assassination. Unfortunately, the senator despite his newfound popularity still might not make it until Election Day.

Beatty's performance was fantastic. Recommended movie.