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Directed by acclaimed film-maker Stephen Frears, The Deal is a drama that probes the complex relationship between two men, Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and Gordon Brown (David Morrissey) - an affiliation which forms one of the most influential and signigficant political relationships of recent years. Since 1997, almost exclusively these two men have determined British politics - but what lies behind the enduring rivalry? The dramatisation tusn back to the keys days following May 12th 1994, when Labour leader John Smith died and Gordon Brown, the heir appararent, was beaten into second place by his 'protégè' Tony Blair. The repurcussions of what happened then, and the enduring legacy of good and ill stems from it, is the substance of The Deal.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I have just watched this film tonight and I found it fascinating. This is from the writer and director of `The Queen' and there are strong parallels between the two films, particularly as Michael Sheen once again provides an outstanding portrayal of Tony Blair.
The film chronicles the relationship between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair from when they became MPs to when Tony Blair took charge of the Labour party. British politics is often seen as drab and grey, so it is to the writer/directors credit that this film is fast-paced, gripping and satisfyingly entertaining. It stands up well to political films with much flashier subject matter, like Bill Clinton's infidelities during his quest for the Democratic nomination (Primary Colours) or the rollercoaster Presidency of Richard Nixon (Oliver Stone's `Nixon').
A special mention must also go to the two lead actors. It must be difficult to play two real life characters that the audience already know so well, but David Morrissey and Michael Sheen do a fantastic job. You quickly believe that you are behind the scenes with Brown and Blair.
The film chronicles the relationship between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair from when they became MPs to when Tony Blair took charge of the Labour party. British politics is often seen as drab and grey, so it is to the writer/directors credit that this film is fast-paced, gripping and satisfyingly entertaining. It stands up well to political films with much flashier subject matter, like Bill Clinton's infidelities during his quest for the Democratic nomination (Primary Colours) or the rollercoaster Presidency of Richard Nixon (Oliver Stone's `Nixon').
A special mention must also go to the two lead actors. It must be difficult to play two real life characters that the audience already know so well, but David Morrissey and Michael Sheen do a fantastic job. You quickly believe that you are behind the scenes with Brown and Blair.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
David Morrisey is so plausible as Gordon Brown it is astonishing ! Michael Sheen is truly a great character actor who can play David Frost , Kenneth Williams , Tony Blair and now Brian Clough ! He plays Blair to perfection ! It is the compelling tale of how Blair and Brown went from being office sharing buddies to rivals in Westminster's long running feud AKA soap opera. It is interesting to see the UK's political history from 1983 ( when they both entered Parliament ) to 1994 ( when the deal was done so to speak) from a Labour Party perspective. The writers have it pretty much spot on and when I was watching it I must admit that the time flew by! I really enjoyed it ! The other cast members do a fine job and the real -life footage helps remind us that it is a factual drama. Thanks to the superior quality of the editing it flows superbly !
Amazon are selling it at a very reasonable price so if this kind of subject matter is your cup of tea then buying it from that fine on-line retailer is a good idea. Don't delay - buy it from Amazon today !
Amazon are selling it at a very reasonable price so if this kind of subject matter is your cup of tea then buying it from that fine on-line retailer is a good idea. Don't delay - buy it from Amazon today !
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In the United States the distributors advertised this film as a prequel--horrid word--to "The Queen," which, of course it is not. Since I am an avid follower of British Politics, though--being addicted to BBC "Democracy Live" and "Any Questions?"--I found it riveting.
Stephen Frears has created a fascinating depiction of the two politicians at the outset of their careers, who were to dominate British politics--for better or worse, depending on one's view--for thirteen years. He has also given us a glimpse into what, in Shakespeare's hands, might have been a single scene in one of his political tragedies.
"The Deal" presents Gordon Brown, beautifully portrayed by David Morrissey, as a man of sincerity who is motivated politically by an earnest and zealous desire for reform; who cherishes the leadership of the Labour Party (and future as Prime Minister, should the party eventually come to power) as a goal to be sought as a prize of honour for diligent work. Fate intercedes in the form of the young, eager, charismatic and increasingly ambitious attorney, Tony Blair--Michael Sheen turns in his usual nuanced portrayal--whom the more politically experienced Brown befriends and mentors in the House of Commons. The director leaves Blair's motivations ambiguous though, only implying the moment when he decides to seize the power; whether he does so by chance or by design is left to the viewers to decide. David Morrissey's sensitive portrayal of Brown, however, conveys the wounded pride of a man who recognises--too late--that his lifelong ambition is being usurped by a plausible chancer who values the party leadership--not from conviction, but only as a means to an end.
The devil in "The Deal" is Peter Mandelson (aka "The Prince of Darkness" in some political circles), MP and Party Spin Doctor, who, in an opportune change of allegiance, chooses Blair's easy charm over Brown's difficult dourness as the most likely winning ticket from the Opposition to the Government side of the House of Commons. The tragedy comes in retrospect, because the viewer knows that although both men achieved their aims--first Blair, and then, belatedly, Brown--in the final estimation, the prize, which they each coveted so dearly, eventually disintegrated, leaving their respective reputations--as far as public opinion is concerned--in tatters.
The subject of the dynamics of ambition, power and the role of the media is particularly relevant today, in light of the ongoing "phone hacking" scandal which keeps threatening to consume the political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.
Stephen Frears has created a fascinating depiction of the two politicians at the outset of their careers, who were to dominate British politics--for better or worse, depending on one's view--for thirteen years. He has also given us a glimpse into what, in Shakespeare's hands, might have been a single scene in one of his political tragedies.
"The Deal" presents Gordon Brown, beautifully portrayed by David Morrissey, as a man of sincerity who is motivated politically by an earnest and zealous desire for reform; who cherishes the leadership of the Labour Party (and future as Prime Minister, should the party eventually come to power) as a goal to be sought as a prize of honour for diligent work. Fate intercedes in the form of the young, eager, charismatic and increasingly ambitious attorney, Tony Blair--Michael Sheen turns in his usual nuanced portrayal--whom the more politically experienced Brown befriends and mentors in the House of Commons. The director leaves Blair's motivations ambiguous though, only implying the moment when he decides to seize the power; whether he does so by chance or by design is left to the viewers to decide. David Morrissey's sensitive portrayal of Brown, however, conveys the wounded pride of a man who recognises--too late--that his lifelong ambition is being usurped by a plausible chancer who values the party leadership--not from conviction, but only as a means to an end.
The devil in "The Deal" is Peter Mandelson (aka "The Prince of Darkness" in some political circles), MP and Party Spin Doctor, who, in an opportune change of allegiance, chooses Blair's easy charm over Brown's difficult dourness as the most likely winning ticket from the Opposition to the Government side of the House of Commons. The tragedy comes in retrospect, because the viewer knows that although both men achieved their aims--first Blair, and then, belatedly, Brown--in the final estimation, the prize, which they each coveted so dearly, eventually disintegrated, leaving their respective reputations--as far as public opinion is concerned--in tatters.
The subject of the dynamics of ambition, power and the role of the media is particularly relevant today, in light of the ongoing "phone hacking" scandal which keeps threatening to consume the political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great Drama
This is the first in the series of the Tony Blair/Michael Sheen set of films followed by 'The Queen' and 'The Special Relationship'. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Andrew Whitby
What an education
It helps that I really like the lead actors, David Morrissey and Michael Sheen. I'm not really into politics so most of this story was new to me, but I was grabbed in the first... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Rosie
The battle for the Labour leadership.
This television film was first shown by Channel 4 in 2003. The writer, Peter Morgan, the director, Stephen Frears, and the actor playing Tony Blair, Michael Sheen, teamed up three... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Andrew Banks
History made
This is an interesting film, very well made and very well acted by all concerned. Film elaborates on what was supposed to have been agreed between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr. David E. Leah
Michael Sheen - Genius
I first watched Mr Sheen as Kenneth Williams, then as David Frost, but had somehow missed his Blair. I then saw The Queen, and went on to The Deal. Read more
Published on 29 Dec 2009 by P. G. Russell
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