A sequel to the groundbreaking mini-series Tanner ' 88. Focusing on a documentary filmmaker seeking funding for a film about what it takes to run for the highest political office and the tol... Read allA sequel to the groundbreaking mini-series Tanner ' 88. Focusing on a documentary filmmaker seeking funding for a film about what it takes to run for the highest political office and the toll it takes on those who lose.A sequel to the groundbreaking mini-series Tanner ' 88. Focusing on a documentary filmmaker seeking funding for a film about what it takes to run for the highest political office and the toll it takes on those who lose.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Photos
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaCynthia Nixon, who plays the same role she did in the original, did this sequel to HBO's Tanner '88 (1988) as she was wrapping up work on Sex and the City (1998), also broadcast on HBO. In this series, her character has become a filmmaker and film teacher. In the last episode, a student asks her if she knows anyone "at HBO".
- Quotes
Jack Tanner: He's a newly minted Log Cabin Republican.
Alex Tanner: He's gay?
Jack Tanner: Yes.
Alex Tanner: And he's a Republican?
Jack Tanner: Yes.
Alex Tanner: Maybe now I won't have to interview him.
As with Tanner 88, we get a whole host of cameos (my favorites being Martin Scorsese, Chris Matthews, Mario Cuomo, Al Franken and Ronald Regan Jr all for various reasons), and some familiar faces like Pamela Reed as TJ. But what's really fascinating about the TV special (not exactly a mini-series, but not a TV movie quite either) is how Altman digs about as deep into the psychology of film-making as he did in the Player- this time with a more hands-on approach. There's once again the young observer, quiet and with a curious eye almost akin to Altman's, filming all of the little things as Alex tries to shoot her movie, and there ends up being a scene, a great one in fact, where two women named Alex and both daughters of democratic hopeful candidates (one Kerry one Tanner) schedule an interview with Regan Jr, only to find they have to conduct it at the same time. This, on top of another scene where Alex's crew runs into a documentary film crew doing a documentary on documentaries, makes it about as close to "Factories in Chicago making miniature models of factories" from Austin Powers as comically possible without overstating the message.
There's also some topical stuff thrown throughout, and some uncomfortable bits and some nice foreshadowing watching it four years later (i.e. Kerry's "if he wins Tanner may become this and that" plot points, and Obama's key-note address shown as the event it was), and Altman and Trudeau are able to convey, often vividly, how to create a layering effect of politics, media, film-making, family and creative strife, and the pure and cruelly paradoxical nature of the political machine. If it's not quite as focused all the time, or always with a clear story arc, as in Tanner 88 it makes up for its faults with superb performances- as if sliding back into comfortable slippers- and a few bitingly satirical surprises (Robert Redford anyone?)
- Quinoa1984
- Sep 25, 2008
Details
- Runtime2 hours
- Color