Watch Bulworth

In 1998, Warren Beatty directed and starred in the political satire, Bulworth. The film follows the story of California Senator Jay Billington Bulworth, played by Beatty, who is dissatisfied with his position in politics and the corruption he sees within it. Feeling burnt out and desperate, he decides to take out a hefty life insurance policy and arrange for his own assassination. In doing so, he believes that he will finally be able to speak the truth without fear of the political consequences.

One of the biggest themes in the film is the idea of authenticity in politics. Bulworth's motivation for arranging his own assassination is driven by his desire to speak honestly about the issues he sees in the political system. He is frustrated with the constant need for politicians to promote a certain image and say the things that will get them reelected, rather than speaking the truth. As a result, he stops censoring himself and speaks candidly about his true beliefs. This leads to a notable shift in his relationships, including his marriage and with Halle Berry's character, Nina, who plays a young woman from the inner-city with whom he becomes romantically involved.

Another key issue raised in the film is race relations. Bulworth's newfound honesty leads him to make a number of political missteps, such as directly referencing the disenfranchisement of African Americans, which causes his poll numbers to plummet. Despite this, Bulworth is undeterred and continues to speak his truth. The character of Nina, played by Berry, becomes one of the key voices of reason for Bulworth, as she shares her own experiences of poverty and racism with him. She is also one of the few characters who truly understands what it is like to live in the inner-city and therefore holds a unique view on politics and the issues that need to be addressed.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Ennio Morricone and featuring contributions from the Fugees, is notable for its eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, hip hop, and classical music. The music serves to underscore the themes of the film, particularly the idea of breaking down boundaries between races and genres.

Overall, Bulworth is a biting political satire that examines the nature of democracy and authenticity in politics, featuring strong performances from Warren Beatty in the lead role, as well as Halle Berry and Kimberly Deauna Adams. The film is sharp, witty, and unflinching in its portrayal of the flaws within the political system, making it a standout offering in the canon of political satires.

Bulworth is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 75.