Wag The Dog (1997)

Released in 1997, Barry Levinson's Wag the Dog is a razor-sharp political satire that remains as relevant today as it was nearly three decades ago. With an astute script and performances from Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman, the film dissects the absurd lengths to which political elites will go to control public perception. Through its dark humour and biting commentary, Wag the Dog explores the intersection of politics, media, and the manipulation of truth—topics that resonate deeply in today’s world of “fake news” and media saturation.

Plot Overview

At its core, Wag the Dog is a story about political spin gone wild. The President of the United States (who remains unseen throughout the film) is caught up in a scandal just days before the election. In a desperate attempt to distract the public, Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro), a seasoned political fixer, is brought in to create a fabricated crisis—a war in the fictional country of Kashmir. To execute this elaborate deception, Brean recruits Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman), a flamboyant Hollywood producer who specialises in creating convincing realities for film audiences. Together, they create a completely fabricated war story, involving an American hero, fake news broadcasts, and a Hollywood-style soundtrack, all designed to manipulate the media and public opinion.

What begins as a clever, if morally questionable, scheme spirals into an increasingly complex and absurd web of lies. As Brean and Motss build their fictional narrative, the line between reality and fabrication blurs, and they are forced to maintain the story at all costs—leading to a shocking and satirical conclusion.

Themes: Political Spin and the Power of the Media

At its heart, Wag the Dog is a scathing critique of political manipulation and the way the media is used to shape public perception. The film demonstrates how easily the public can be swayed by fabricated stories, as long as they are broadcast through the right channels. The success of the fake war relies entirely on the public’s gullibility and the media’s willingness to amplify the narrative. It is a commentary on the power of spin doctors, media outlets, and the politicians who know how to manipulate both.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its portrayal of how the manufacture of reality works in the modern world. Brean and Motss, armed with their tools—media coverage, fabricated footage, and a compelling narrative—craft a war that feels real to the American public. The manipulation of truth becomes an art form, with the goal not just to distract, but to reshape reality entirely. The message is clear: in a world saturated with media, reality is what you can make people believe.

The Performances: De Niro and Hoffman Shine

Robert De Niro brings his characteristic intensity to the role of Conrad Brean, a man who is both calculating and charming. His portrayal of Brean is perhaps one of his more understated performances, but it’s no less effective. As the mastermind behind the fabricated war, De Niro exudes the cold precision of a political strategist who sees the manipulation of public opinion as just another day’s work. His ability to remain detached from the moral implications of his actions is chilling, and De Niro’s subtle but powerful performance is central to the film’s success.

On the other hand, Dustin Hoffman steals the show as Stanley Motss, a Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and an insatiable need for recognition. Hoffman’s comedic timing is impeccable, and he brings a larger-than-life energy to the role. Motss’s increasingly obsessive focus on creating the “best war” and his personal desire for fame and glory make him both a tragic and hilarious character. The dynamic between De Niro and Hoffman is electric, with their contrasting personalities driving the film’s humour and tension.

The chemistry between the two actors is one of the highlights of the film, as Brean’s pragmatism clashes with Motss’s idealism and artistic ego. Their interactions are often hilarious but always reveal something deeper about the nature of the story they are telling and the real world consequences of their actions.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Barry Levinson, known for films like Rain Man (1988) and The Natural (1984), proves here that he can handle both drama and dark comedy with equal skill. The direction in Wag the Dog is tight and efficient, with the pacing mirroring the escalating absurdity of the plot. Levinson’s keen sense of timing allows the film to build momentum, and even though the stakes are high, there’s a constant undercurrent of humour that makes the dark themes even more biting.

The cinematography in Wag the Dog is straightforward and unobtrusive, reflecting the film’s focus on story and character. There are few flourishes, as Levinson understands that the satire lies in the narrative itself, rather than in visual spectacle. The media manipulation is cleverly woven into the plot through news reports, advertisements, and television interviews, reinforcing the idea that media is the lens through which reality is distorted.

The Relevance: A Timely Satire

While Wag the Dog was made in the late 1990s, its relevance today is undeniable. In an era dominated by social media, 24/7 news cycles, and the rise of "fake news," the film's exploration of media manipulation feels more pertinent than ever. The themes of public deception and the construction of reality through the media have only grown more timely, with the constant flow of misinformation and political spin that dominates modern discourse.

In fact, many of the film's events echo real-world incidents, particularly in the way the media can amplify fabricated narratives. The idea of creating a war, or any large-scale spectacle, to shift public attention away from a scandal seems like a strategy that could easily be employed in the current political landscape. Wag the Dog reminds us that the line between truth and fiction has never been thinner, and the machinery behind modern media can easily manipulate public opinion.

Criticism: A Few Missed Opportunities

While the film is mostly a triumph, some may find its pacing to be slightly uneven in the middle section. As the fake war escalates, certain plot points and character motivations become a bit too implausible or exaggerated for comedic effect. While this is part of the film’s dark humor, it can occasionally feel forced.

Additionally, while Hoffman’s performance is a showstopper, some viewers may find the character of Stanley Motss to be a little too cartoonish at times. His dramatic flair and relentless ego can come off as over-the-top, though this is ultimately in line with the film's satirical tone.

Conclusion:

A Brilliant Political Satire

Wag the Dog is a brilliantly executed satire that explores the power of political spin, media manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. With pitch-perfect performances from Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman, the film delivers both sharp humour and a timely commentary on the state of modern politics and media. While the plot becomes increasingly absurd, it’s the film’s biting commentary on the manipulation of truth that leaves a lasting impact.

In a world where political scandals are often overshadowed by media-created distractions, Wag the Dog serves as a prescient reminder of the forces that shape public perception—and the lengths to which those in power will go to control the narrative. A true masterclass in political satire, Wag the Dog remains as relevant today as it was when it first premiered.