Wag the Dog
Seen it?1997 | 97 min | Comedy, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it made about 4 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved All the President's Men or JFK, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To distract the public until the election, the President's adviser hires a Hollywood producer to help him stage a fake war.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Best Casting for Feature Film – Comedy. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes and 1 SAG Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$64 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 328K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
All the President's Men
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Dustin Hoffman, in another critically acclaimed political drama.
JFK Friday Night FlickAnother CIA drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Primary Colors
Sunday Safe BetAnother political dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Argo Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed CIA drama.
Seven Days in May Saturday SpecialAnother political drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Barry Levinson
- Dustin HoffmanStanley Motss
- Robert De NiroConrad Brean
- Anne HecheWinifred Ames
- Woody HarrelsonSergeant William Schumann
- Denis LearyFad King
- Willie NelsonJohnny Dean
- Andrea MartinLiz Butsky
- Kirsten DunstTracy Lime
- William H. MacyCIA Agent Charles Young
- David KoechnerDirector