Wag the Dog (1997)

Detailed Summary

The Scandal Breaks

The film begins with a major scandal threatening the re-election campaign of the U.S. President. Just days before the election, news breaks of a sexual misconduct allegation involving the President and a young Firefly Girl. The President’s advisors quickly realize the gravity of the situation and the potential damage it could do to his campaign.

Enter Conrad Brean

Spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro) is brought in to manage the crisis. Brean is a master manipulator, known for his ability to control media narratives. Realizing that the scandal cannot be covered up, he decides to distract the public by creating a fake war.

The Hollywood Connection

Brean recruits Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) to help stage the fictitious war. Motss, intrigued by the challenge, agrees to participate. They decide to fabricate a war with Albania, playing on the public’s ignorance and fears.

Creating the Illusion

Brean and Motss orchestrate an elaborate media campaign to convince the public that the U.S. is involved in a conflict with Albania. They create fake news footage, complete with a supposed Albanian refugee girl (played by an actress) and scenes of destruction. The media and public buy into the deception, diverting attention from the President’s scandal.

The War Hero

To further solidify the narrative, Brean and Motss invent a war hero, Sergeant William Schumann (Woody Harrelson). They stage a dramatic rescue mission to “bring him home,” intending to use Schumann as a symbol of American heroism and patriotism. However, things take an unexpected turn when Schumann’s erratic behavior threatens to expose the entire scheme.

The Unexpected Twist

As Brean and Motss scramble to contain the fallout from Schumann’s behavior, the war narrative begins to unravel. Despite the chaos, they manage to maintain control of the situation. However, in a darkly humorous twist, Motss becomes frustrated that he will not receive public credit for his work and threatens to go public. Brean, knowing the importance of keeping the secret, has Motss discreetly eliminated, framing his death as a natural cause.

Movie Ending

The film ends with the President’s re-election secured, thanks to the successful distraction created by Brean and Motss. However, the ending leaves a lingering sense of unease as it underscores the manipulative power of media and the ease with which public opinion can be swayed.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Wag the Dog” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Wag the Dog” is a political satire and dark comedy that critiques media manipulation and political spin.

Cast

• Robert De Niro as Conrad Brean
• Dustin Hoffman as Stanley Motss
• Anne Heche as Winifred Ames
• Denis Leary as Fad King
• Willie Nelson as Johnny Dean
• Andrea Martin as Liz Butsky
• Woody Harrelson as Sergeant William Schumann
• Kirsten Dunst as Tracy Lime

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score is composed by Mark Knopfler, known for his work as the lead guitarist of Dire Straits. The music complements the satirical and cynical tone of the film.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: Various scenes, including the Hollywood segments.
• Washington, D.C.: Exteriors and scenes involving political settings to give an authentic feel to the film’s portrayal of government.

These locations were chosen to enhance the film’s believability and to juxtapose the glitz of Hollywood with the seriousness of political Washington.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Best Adapted Screenplay (Hilary Henkin and David Mamet), and Best Film Editing.
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), and Best Actress (Anne Heche).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Dustin Hoffman based his character on real-life Hollywood producer Robert Evans.
• The film was released just weeks before the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, making its plot eerily prescient and relevant.
• The screenplay was co-written by David Mamet, known for his sharp, fast-paced dialogue.

Inspirations and References

• Source Material: The film is based on the 1993 novel “American Hero” by Larry Beinhart.
• Political Events: The film satirizes political scandals and the media’s role in shaping public perception, drawing from real-life political events and media manipulation tactics.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. The final cut effectively delivers its satirical message.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• American Hero: The book has a broader scope and includes more detailed political commentary.
• Character Focus: The film streamlines the story and focuses more on the relationship between Brean and Motss, emphasizing the Hollywood and media manipulation aspects.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Fake War Footage: Creating the fabricated Albanian war scene with a fake refugee girl.
• The War Hero’s Return: The staged rescue of Sergeant Schumann.
• Motss’s Frustration: Motss’s outburst about not receiving credit for his work.

Iconic Quotes

• “We’re not gonna have a war. We’re gonna have the appearance of a war.” – Conrad Brean
• “This is nothing! You think this is a war? This is a pageant!” – Stanley Motss
• “You want me to produce your war? Not a war, it’s a pageant.” – Stanley Motss

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes subtle nods to real-life political scandals and media events.
• The title “Wag the Dog” itself is a reference to the saying “the tail wagging the dog,” highlighting the absurdity of the media driving political actions.

Trivia

• The film was shot in less than a month.
• Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman improvised many of their scenes together.
• The timing of the film’s release and the real-life Lewinsky scandal was purely coincidental, adding to its impact and relevance.

Why Watch?

“Wag the Dog” is a clever and biting satire that offers a humorous yet critical look at media manipulation and political spin. Its sharp dialogue, strong performances, and timely themes make it a must-watch for fans of political dramas and comedies.

Director’s Other Movies

• Rain Man (1988)
• Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
• Diner (1982)
• Sleepers (1996)
• Man of the Year (2006)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
• The Candidate (1972)
• Primary Colors (1998)
• Thank You for Smoking (2005)
• The Ides of March (2011)