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HBO's Recount Scathing But Fair

Film doesn't 'play it safe' politically

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 10:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – "Recount," HBO’s “first-rate” docudrama about the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election, takes the bold step of showing the harsh truth of the story, instead of “playing it safe,” writes Gary Kamiya for Salon. Leading players on both sides approved the script—surprising, Kamiya notes, “because 'Recount' shows just what an outrageous, profoundly anti-democratic coup” George W. Bush’s team achieved.

That said, it “tries to be fair to the GOP” and doesn’t editorialize. It humanizes James Baker, major architect of Bush’s victory, and it manages to balance the facts with fast-paced entertainment. But ultimately, “it makes it painfully and inescapably clear” that Bush supporters “did nothing less than successfully subvert American democracy in order to get their man in office,” Kamiya writes.

In this image released by HBO, Kevin Spacey portrays Ron Klain, left, and Dennis Leary portrays Michael Whouley in a scene from the docudrama Recount.
In this image released by HBO, Kevin Spacey portrays Ron Klain, left, and Dennis Leary portrays Michael Whouley in a scene from the docudrama "Recount."   (AP Photo/HBO, Gene Page)
In this image released by HBO, Laura Dern portrays Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris in a scene from the docudrama Recount, a behind the scenes account of the 2000 presidential election scandal premiering Sunday, May 25 at 9 p.m. EDT.
In this image released by HBO, Laura Dern portrays Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris in a scene from the docudrama "Recount," a behind the scenes account of the 2000 presidential election scandal...   (AP Photo/HBO, Gene Page)
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HBO Films: Recount Trailer   (HBO)

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