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White House Madness

White House Madness (1975)

Jan 01, 1975 1h 19m Comedy

The Nixon Administration falls apart in a farcical manner in the time of the Watergate Scandal.

Directed by Mark L. Lester

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Mark L. Lester
Producer
  • Phil Gramm
  • Mark L. Lester

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Thematic Analysis

White House Madness represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Mark L. Lester brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1975, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of White House Madness took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 971 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1975, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While White House Madness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Winners & Sinners, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, White House Madness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Jonathan Pie: Live at the Shepherds Bush Empire and Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World explore similar territory, White House Madness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1975
  • Runtime: 1h 19m