Watch LBJ
- R
- 2017
- 1 hr 38 min
-
6.5 (7,907)
LBJ is a biographical drama movie that depicts the life of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. The movie is directed by Rob Reiner and was released in 2016. Woody Harrelson plays the character of LBJ, Michael Stahl-David plays Bobby Kennedy, and Richard Jenkins portrays Senator Richard Russell. The movie begins with the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. LBJ is then shown taking the oath of office to become the President of the United States. The movie then details the journey of LBJ to become the President and the challenges he faced during his tenure.
LBJ's journey as a politician begins with his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1937. He then becomes the Senate Majority Leader in 1955, and Vice President in 1960. After the assassination of John F. Kennedy, LBJ is shown struggling to hold the nation together in the face of doubt, suspicion, and grief. The movie depicts his struggles and eventual successes in passing the Civil Rights Act and War on Poverty.
The movie also shows some of the personal struggles that LBJ faced throughout his life. His relationship with his father, his admiration for his wife Lady Bird, and the frustration he felt in his conflicts with Bobby Kennedy are all portrayed in the film. LBJ's brash personality and his tendency to use strong-arm tactics in politics are also on display.
One of the highlights of the movie is Woody Harrelson's performance as LBJ. He brings depth and complexity to the character, portraying LBJ as a flawed but ultimately well-intentioned man. Harrelson's performance is subtle and nuanced, capturing the essence of LBJ without resorting to caricature.
The supporting cast is also excellent. Michael Stahl-David's portrayal of Bobby Kennedy is spot-on, capturing the younger Kennedy's intensity and idealism. Richard Jenkins is also impressive as Senator Richard Russell, a southern segregationist who eventually becomes one of LBJ's closest advisers.
The movie's production values are also first-rate. The sets and costumes are meticulously designed, and the cinematography captures the time period in stunning detail. The score by Marc Shaiman is also excellent, adding emotional depth to the film.
One of the key themes of the movie is LBJ's relationship with the Kennedys. LBJ is shown as a politician who respected John F. Kennedy but found it difficult to work with him. After JFK's assassination, LBJ is forced to deal with the fallout and find a way to continue the Kennedy legacy. In the end, LBJ emerges as a leader in his own right, with his own distinct vision for the country.
Overall, LBJ is a powerful and compelling look at the life of one of America's most complex and controversial Presidents. The movie does an excellent job of capturing the time period and the political climate of the 1960s. Woody Harrelson's performance as LBJ is truly remarkable, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in politics, history, or great filmmaking.
LBJ is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 54.