No matter how fictional it may be, Wag the Dog seems even more probable nearly thirty years after its release. Adapted from Larry Beinhart’s novel “American Hero,” by Hilary Henkin and David Mamet, it demonstrates a keen grasp of the times. While never showing his face, the President of the United States has a real problem on his hands. Less than two weeks before the election, he’s caught in a sex scandal involving an underage girl. Whether the allegations are real or just a clever maneuver by his opponent doesn’t matter, he needs a bigger event to bury the story.
Presidential aide Winifred Ames (Anne Heche) brings in top spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro) who decides to construct a fictional war in Albania. To help him, Brean contacts Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) who runs the “war” as if he’s making a big budget movie, complete with battlefield footage, which they leak to eager newsrooms across the country. Immediately, attention is diverted from the sex scandal. Brean and company hope Motss’ pride doesn’t get in the way, and no one discovers the truth before election day.
Director Barry Levinson couldn’t have known just how much of a cultural touchstone his film would be. Wag the Dog was released on December 25, 1997, mere weeks before the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal broke, and the President subsequently ordered missile strikes on Afghanistan and Sudan. With the rise of AI and other technological advancements, the ability to create a political distraction seems more probable than ever. You’ll likely see television news differently after watching Wag the Dog. A healthy dose of skepticism may be a good thing.
Wag the Dog benefits from an excellent cast. Both Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman lend the necessary gravity and credibility to their characters. As the ultimate fixer, De Niro’s Conrad Brean is laid back and self-assured. Reportedly based on late producer Robert Evans, Hoffman’s Stanley Motss is a man with big ideas, and an even bigger ego. Both are given the chance to show off their comedic skills. In what was probably the best role of her career, Anne Heche’s presidential aide is intense with a splash of obnoxiousness all rolled into one. Legendary musician Willie Nelson turns up in a smart cameo.
Wag the Dog makes its Blu-ray debut courtesy of Warner Archive. Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the master is reportedly derived from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. The results are excellent. Film grain is evident throughout, and colors are vivid. Blacks are inky, and detail is top notch. Robert Richardson’s documentary feel cinematography is well rendered throughout. The image is clean, with no scratches or other anomalies to mar the presentation.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack fits this dialogue heavy film well. Surrounds are put to work during crowd scenes, rainstorms, and other outdoor scenes. Atmospherics are clear, never rising above vocals. Dialogue is clean, clear, and concise, with no apparent distortion.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary with Director Barry Levinson and Actor Dustin Hoffman: The duo are quite chatty and deliver a fitting tongue-in-cheek commentary.
- From Washington to Hollywood and Back… (24:43) This archival featurette offers interviews with Tom Brokaw, Dee Dee Meyers, and others discussing the intersection between journalism and Hollywood.
- Q&A Macy on Mamet (5:58) William H. Macy discusses his mentor.
- Theatrical Trailer
