Vice

The 2018 American tragicomedy directed and written by Adam McKay delves into the life and political career of Dick Cheney, one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. The film meticulously traces Cheney's (Christian Bale) journey from his youth in Wyoming, where he worked as an electrician and battled alcoholism, to becoming a central figure in American politics. Under the influence of his ambitious wife Lynne (Amy Adams), Cheney secures an internship in the U.S. Congress, becoming an aide to Congressman Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell). Climbing the political ladder, Cheney serves as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and as Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. After a hiatus from politics, he becomes the CEO of the oil company Halliburton. His political resurgence occurs when George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell) offers him the vice-presidential slot. Utilizing his position, Cheney amasses significant power, influencing decisions that lead to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq following the events of September 11, 2001. The film exposes behind-the-scenes political maneuvers, personal ambitions, and the quest for power, while also exploring Cheney's impact on contemporary U.S. history. Special attention is given to his family life, including relationships with his wife Lynne and daughters Liz and Mary (Alison Pill), the latter coming out as a lesbian, which affects Cheney's political decisions. The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Christian Bale's performance, who gained weight and meticulously replicated Cheney's mannerisms for the role. It garnered multiple award nominations, including the Oscars and Golden Globes, winning for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.