Wag the Dog

A 1997 American political satire black comedy film directed by Barry Levinson. The screenplay by Hilary Henkin and David Mamet is based on Larry Beinhart's 1993 novel "American Hero". The film centers on political spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro) and Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman), who fabricate a war in Albania to distract the public from a presidential sex scandal. The cast also includes Anne Heche, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson, Andrea Martin, and Kirsten Dunst. Music was composed by Mark Knopfler. The film premiered on December 17, 1997, and was released in the United States on December 25, 1997. With a budget of $15 million, it grossed $64.3 million worldwide. The film received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman).