No Way to Treat a First Lady

Authors: Al
Location: NY

"No Way to Treat a First Lady"

Directed by Alexander Payne
Written by Christopher Buckley
Music by Rolfe Kent

Principal Cast:

Beth MacMann: Meryl Streep
Boyce Baylor: Kevin Spacey
Babette Van Anka: Angelina Jolie
Perri Pettengill: Virginia Madsen
D.A.G. Sandy Clintick: Cate Blanchett
Harold Farkley: Christopher Walken
Judge Dutch Umin: Forest Whitaker
Max Grab: Matt Dillon
Alan Crudman: Alec Baldwin

Tagline: "First Lady. First Assassin?"

Synopsis: First Lady Beth MacMann is in a real dilemma. She has never been popular with her country (some call her "Lady Bethmac") for her influential position in her husband's policies and stiff, working-woman demeanor. So when the President is dead after she hurls an authentic Paul Revere spittoon at him during a marital dispute, it doesn't curry her any more favor with the American public. However, she knows in her heart that that wasn't why he died. She suspects that it had something to do with multimillionaire singer-actress Babette Van Anka, who was in bed with the President before he came back to the room and dropped dead. Desperate to prove her innocence, Beth hires the only lawyer she trusts: Boyce "Shameless" Baylor. Baylor is one of the best-known defense attorneys in the country. He will use any tactics possible to clear the names of his obviously guilty clients, from Los Alamos spies to serial killers. But that's not all. Boyce and Beth were engaged once, back in law school, until she dumped him for Mr. Future President. What lengths will Boyce go to so he can win the Trial of the Millennium, and the love of his life?

What the press would say:

Christopher Buckley, of "Thank You for Smoking" fame, has written another black comedy novel that is adapted for film, and this time he wrote the screenplay. With obvious shades of the Clinton presidency and every celebrity trial for the last 20 years, "No Way to Treat a First Lady" is a hilarious romp through the fictional trial of First Lady Beth MacMann-for assassinating her husband. I can't say enough about Meryl Streep's performance here. Her masterful poise, manner of speaking, and emotional range are all on display, and she has solidified her reputation as one of-nay, the best actress of her generation. Kevin Spacey is also good in a challenging role to play. The 3 supporting actresses should not be forgotten either come Oscar season. Virginia Madsen shines as Boyce's girlfriend and the voluptuous anchor of a Larry King-like talk show. ("Half her audience watches her with the sound off"). Amidst all the tabloid fever, Angelina Jolie's marvelous acting ability is often cast aside. Here, as the numb-headed actress (who, you guessed it, is a tabloid darling) who has an affair with the President, she shines and sparkles throughout the entire movie and is quite funny. (Her "legitimate businessman financier" husband is played well by Matt Dillon). Cate Blanchett, as the Deputy Attorney General prosecuting the case, also turns in a great performance. Christopher Walken is delightful as the deadbeat Vice President forced to take over for his deceased superior, and so is Forest Whitaker as the no-nonsense, by-the-book judge exhausted by all the press fervor. Alec Baldwin is flat-out hysterical as the explosive, pompous "legal expert" on Perri's show. Overall, this is one of the best dark comedies I've seen in years. Alexander Payne has done a fine job, and he will surely be the go-to guy for movies like this from now on. This movie isn't just funny; it's a well-thought-out comment on sex scandals, celebrity trials, and relationships at middle age. It's the best comedic satire of the last few years and it's definitely a must-see film.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture (Comedy)
Best Director: Alexander Payne
Best Adapted Screenplay: Christopher Buckley
Best Actress: Meryl Streep
Best Actor: Kevin Spacey
Best Supporting Actress: Angelina Jolie
Best Supporting Actress: Virginia Madsen
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Walken
Best Supporting Actor: Forest Whitaker