Cast
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Warren Beatty
as Jay Bulworth
Halle Berry
as Nina
Kimberly Deauna Adams
as Denisha
Vinny Argiro
as Debate Director
Sean Astin
as Gary
Kirk Baltz
as Debate Producer
Ernie Lee Banks
as Leroy
Amiri Baraka
as Rastaman
Christine Baranski
as Constance Bulworth
Adilah Barnes
as Mrs. Brown
Graham Beckel
as Man with Dark Glasses
Brandon N. Bowlin
as Bouncer #2
Mongo Brownlee
as Henchman #3
Thomas Jefferson Byrd
as Uncle Rafeeq
J. Kenneth Campbell
as Anthony
Crew
Director
- Warren Beatty
Producer
- Pieter Jan Brugge
- Warren Beatty
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
I'm supposed to like this, right? I mean, politically, I'm supposed to like this one.
Because, you know, a 60-omething white guy decides to get real and connect to the black community by becoming a rapper. Which, if it were true to Hollywood and Government, they would minus a "p" and make it about scandalous that end careers.
Instead they make it about a man with a midlife crisis who decides to speak "the truth" to the youth and minority cultures of America by rapping... because that, apparently is the only way to reach them.
Ultimately, he is reaching out to the minority community by talking down to them with the assumption that they won't understand it if he spoke to them like he would "normal" humans.
Which... is kind of telling of how that certain political group views the people they claim as their base.
I guess if you are Black, poor, it would come across as kind of offensive, another liberal politician talking down to you and claiming he understands you as he treats you like a child. And, I guess, if you're not a minority, it must be commendable and virtuous how much he talks down to diverse communities in an effort to speak their language.
Honestly, I never was a part of that whole "Social Justice" trip, I kind of looked at it as just a way for people to justify censorship by claiming outrage... but this is actually pretty offensive in it's assumptions of how to reach youth and minorities.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Bulworth examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Warren Beatty 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, 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 Bulworth took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 468 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bulworth shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 8 Mile, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Bulworth offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Absolute Power and Armageddon explore similar territory, Bulworth stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 15, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $29,202,884
