Strange Bedfellows
Politics and Humor Mix Unevenly in Bulworth

There is something refreshing and altogether funny about a politician who constantly tells the truth, but if you go to Bulworth with an expectation of seeing Liar, Liar crossed with Primary Colors you will be disappointed. The truth revealed by Warren Beatty's outrageous senator is not one which is easy to hear.

Beatty plays Jay Bulworth, a senator who has become suicidal in the final week before his almost certain re-election during the 1996 California primary. After days without food or sleep, Bulworth makes a deal with a lobbyist from the insurance corporations to tie up a new bill in committee in exchange for a hefty dose of life insurance: $10 million worth. Only moments after the deal is made, Bulworth makes another arrangement with an equally shady character to put out a hit on his own life.

After a plane ride and a couple of drinks, Bulworth becomes increasingly paranoid of his surroundings. He sees hit men at every turn. Thinking his life is near its end, he forgoes his usual speech to an African-American church and begins explaining the harsh realities of politics. In short, he tells them that because black America contributes no significant money to the Democratic party, they go unheard. While his words shock many, there are a few young women who join his cause as volunteers.

Bulworth is immediately captivated by Nina (Halle Berry), a smart, tough woman of few words who grudgingly admits she approved of what he has said. She and her friends take the senator to an after-hours dance place and proceed to introduce him to their world. But as the night rages on and into the next morning, Senator Bulworth's state of mind becomes less clear (or more so, depending on one's point of view).

When he begins rhyming every sentence, his manager (Oliver Platt) and aide (Joshua Malina) fear he has gone over the edge. Nevertheless, the senator promises everything is fine. When they arrive at a big business breakfast fund-raiser, however, Bulworth once again lapses into his epiphany of truth, only this time he decides to rap. Yes, I said rap. And believe me when I say, it's a truly awful sight.

Despite the medium, Bulworth makes some striking commentary on America and the power the rich have over the poor. While most of his best lines are taken from the various people he has met in the inner city, he proves he has listened and tries to make their message heard. Unfortunately, there are too many people who will be turned off by Beatty's rapping to bother to listen.

I have to applaud Beatty for having the guts to make this movie. He is obviously putting his neck out to make a film which handles such sensitive subject matter in this way. I fear, however, that the message may be lost amid the comedy and rap music. In this case, too much garbage could bury a worthwile statement. Considering the weight of the ultimate argument being made by this movie, I'm surprised Beatty chose to make it into a comedy.

Beatty is supported by a good cast, including Berry and Platt. Both do an outstanding job. One of the more surprising performances was turned in by Don Cheadle. Cheadle plays L.D., a drug pusher who employees kids as "little soldiers" in his business. His frightening rationalization for his actions creates one of the movie's best moments, made surreal by the sight of children toting handguns half their size.

While Bulworth is funny and often over the top, I can't recommend it for most people. The use of obscenities and racial stereotypes could offend. Also, and I can't stress this enough, the music could easily put off people who are not into rap. (And those who really like rap will probably hate seeing an old white guy do it.)

MY RATING: 4 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 107 min.