Game Change (2012)

My Review

“Game Change” is a made-for-television political movie depicting the 2008 Presidential campaign of John McCain, focusing on their decision to select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. Her lack of political experience on the national level causes all sort of turmoil, with the nonstop drama proceeding from there. Director Jay Roach (“Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” 1997) put together quite an engrossing drama from the teleplay by Danny Strong, adapted from the 2010 book of the same name by Mark Halperin and Heilemann. There were charges of numerous inaccuracies from John and Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin.

The performances were certainly outstanding, especially Julianne Moore as Palin, Ed Harris as McCain, and Woody Harrelson as Steve Schmidt, the senior strategist of the campaign. These are good casting decisions. Co-stars include Peter MacNicol as the campaign manager, Sarah Paulson as communications director, and Austin Pendleton as Sen. Joe Lieberman. The watchable “Game Change” was broadcast on HBO on March 10, 2012, from executive producer Tom Hanks, HBO Films, and The Playtone Company.

“Game Change” was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, winning four – Outstanding Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actress (Moore), Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Writing. Non-winners include Lead Actor (Harrelson), Supporting Actor (Harris), Supporting Actress (Paulson). It was filmed in Maryland, Delaware, and New Mexico.