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Wag the Dog

Wag the Dog

ComedyDrama3.5

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.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.

December 25, 1997 · Directed by Barry Levinson

Your predicted score
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A simple estimate based mostly on pace, with small nudges for flow, payoff speed, and how much keeps happening. Rounded to the nearest 5 minutes.

Runtime1h 37m
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Feels like1h 30m
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Where this movie sits
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How it's told

  • Pace. Slow burn or propulsive. How much patience the film asks of you.
  • Complexity. Straightforward or demanding. Whether you can sink in, or have to keep up.

What it feels like

  • Tone. Light or heavy. Whether it plays for fun or for weight.
  • Emotionality. Restrained or openly emotional. How much it reaches for your feelings.
  • Outlook. Bleak or hopeful. What it believes about people when it counts.
  • Intensity. Gentle or provocative. How far it is willing to push you.

What it's grounded in

  • Realism. Stylized or grounded. Whether it feels larger than life or plausibly real.
  • Substance. Pure entertainment or ideas. Whether you want a ride or something to chew on.
How it's told
Pace
Complexity
What it feels like
Tone
Emotionality
Outlook
Intensity
What it's grounded in
Realism
Substance

Cast & crew

Dustin Hoffman
Stanley Motss
Robert De Niro
Conrad Brean
Anne Heche
Winifred Ames
Woody Harrelson
Sergeant William Schumann
Denis Leary
Fad King
Willie Nelson
Johnny Dean
Andrea Martin
Liz Butsky
Kirsten Dunst
Tracy Lime
William H. Macy
CIA Agent Charles Young
David Koechner
Director
Michael Belson
President
Suzanne Cryer
Amy Cain

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