Wag the Dog
Dustin Hoffman gives an Oscar-nominated performance in this comedy from director Barry Levinson (Rain Man), co-starring with Robert De Niro as a professional pair – one a spin-doctor, the other a Hollywood producer – looking to manufacture a war in order to help a shamed president win a re-election. Also stars Anne Heche, Denis Leary and Kirsten Dunst.
1997Rating: M, Offensive language97 minsUSA
ComedyDrama
- Director:
- Barry Levinson ('Sleepers', 'Diner', 'Good Morning, Vietnam', 'Rain Man', 'The Bay')
- Writer:
- Hilary HenkinDavid Mamet
- Cast:
- Dustin HoffmanRobert De NiroAnne HecheDenis LearyWillie NelsonAndrea MartinKirsten DunstWilliam H. MacyWoody Harrelson
Wag the Dog / Reviews
San Francisco Chronicle
Between the laughs, there are moments that ring so true they can raise goosebumps.
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Variety
Glib cynicism isn't a tremendously appealing quality, but in Wag the Dog it at least has the benefit of comic precision and polished handling.
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Entertainment Weekly
An ode to the thrill of deception, a thrill embodied in Hoffman's inspired performance.
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Empire Magazine
Written in part by David Mamet, Wag The Dog is a lovely idea, with credibility buoyed by its incredible timeliness.
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