Special Relationship (HBO Films) [Blu-ray]

Let me begin by saying that I enjoyed this BBC-HBO production immensely, largely because of Michael Sheen's nuanced portrayal of Tony Blair. I have to acknowledge, however, that viewer reactions might be based upon how one feels about both Blair and Clinton. Some might find the film either too pro- or too con, because of the writers' and director's determination to keep the scenario firmly anchored in the middle of the political road, allowing the viewer to make up his mind on whether Blair began his political career as a novice, learned the political tricks of the trade (no pun intended) from a master conjurer, and then surpassed his mentor in dealing squarely with political reality.

The director is particularly neutral in his attitude toward the present Secretary of State, well acted by Hope Davis, while he allows (constantly munching) Dennis Quaid as her philandering husband a cringing leer, when she questions him about the truth of the Scandal; and Helen McCrory's Cherie, at times, suggests a crypto-Lady MacBeth in waiting. Not quite over-the-top performances, but almost!

Michael Sheen's often-underplayed portrayal of Blair keeps the film on track. He conveys a combination of vulnerable charm that soon emerges as infectious charisma--that the original does possess, whether one approves of him politically or not. Watching Sheen's portrayal, I found myself, at first, constantly readjusting my perspective, telling myself: "no, Sheen doesn't look at all like Blair." Soon, however, I forgot any initial scepticism, accepting Sheen's Tony-persona without reserve.

I therefore wish that the cinematographer had photo-shopped Sheen into the final newsreel scenes, because the sight of the real Blair brought me back to reality; but perhaps a sudden dose of reality is exactly what the director had in mind.

Engaging, well-written and even-handed, 'The Special Relationship' is another film to add to the list of good political dramas of the last five years. The film's focus, though, differs to most other political dramas in that it is largely low-key and family based; an interesting tack that allows the film to showcase Bill Clinton's admittance of his infidelity to the beleaguered Hilary (a superb Hope Davis), and Blair's personal struggle to gain popularity and political power; being the junior partner of the relationship at the film's opening, in a more personal context. Indeed, this family-oriented setting provides a solid backdrop to the revelations on everything from the Lewinski affair to Northern Ireland; and the approach of seeing how it may have affected the Blair and Clinton households gives the film an interesting and original extra dimension. The performances as a whole are good; Dennis Quaid grows into his role of Clinton well, and Michael Sheen is decent, if a little meek as Tony Blair; whilst the supporting cast (Hope Davis in particular) are very solid. 'The Special Relationship' is also a film which looks great, especially on Blu-Ray; with it's panoramic shots of the White House, the intimate scenes of Downing Street's kitchen, and the faux-'90s press-conference style footage. Though there's nothing incredible about 'The Special Relationship', it is a very good and insightful political piece that will strongly appeal to anyone interested in the PM/President political dynamic, or politics in general.

I have liked everything that Michael Sheen was done recently.

He was great in Damned United and he plays a good Tony Blair.

This is all about the relationship between Tony Blair and Bill Clinton. In the beginning it is suggested that Blair learnt how to gain power and exercise power by using some of the skills he learnt from Bill Clinton.

Clinton is famous for being a charismatic figure and this is confirmed even by his enemies.

Tony Blair was the junior partner in the special relationship but the US needed allies and Tony Blair was happy to support Bill Clinton in his hour of need which was when he was going to be impeached over the Monica Lewinsky affair.

I remember when the events depicted in the this film happened. The story is all about the acquisition of power and the retention of power.

Clinton has to move on when Bush is elected and tony Blair has to create a new relationship but becomes the junior partner of Bush and eventually goes in to the war in Iraq.

This is a story about people. Things move on and those with power become nobodies again.

Surprisingly good film about what could be a boring subject.