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LBJ (film)

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LBJ (film)
NameLBJ
DirectorRob Reiner
ProducerRob Reiner, Tim White, Trevor White, Matthew George
WriterJoey Hartstone
StarringWoody Harrelson, Michael Stahl-David, Richard Jenkins, Bill Pullman, Kim Allen, Jeffrey Donovan, Jennifer Jason Leigh
MusicMarc Shaiman
CinematographyBarry Markowitz
EditingBob Joyce
StudioAcacia Filmed Entertainment, Savvy Media Holdings, Star Thrower Entertainment
DistributorElectric Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures (International)
Released2016, 9, 9, Toronto International Film Festival, 2017, 11, 3, United States
Runtime98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Gross$2.5 million

LBJ (film) is a 2016 American biographical political drama directed by Rob Reiner and written by Joey Hartstone. The film focuses on the political career of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, particularly around the period of the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Johnson's subsequent efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Starring Woody Harrelson in the title role, the narrative explores Johnson's complex relationships, his formidable legislative skills, and his ascent to the highest office during a national crisis.

Plot

The film chronicles the pivotal years from Lyndon B. Johnson's tenure as Vice President of the United States under President John F. Kennedy through his sudden ascension to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas. It dramatizes Johnson's strained relationship with the Kennedy family, particularly with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and his masterful, often ruthless, political maneuvering to shepherd the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the United States Congress. Key sequences depict his interactions with powerful figures like Senator Richard Russell Jr. of Georgia and his reliance on aide Walter Jenkins, culminating in his victory over Republican candidate Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.

Cast

* Woody Harrelson as Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. * Michael Stahl-David as Robert F. Kennedy, the United States Attorney General and brother of John F. Kennedy. * Richard Jenkins as Senator Richard Russell Jr., a powerful Democratic senator from Georgia and a mentor to Johnson. * Bill Pullman as Senator Ralph Yarborough, a Texas Democrat. * Kim Allen as Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady of the United States. * Jeffrey Donovan as John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. * Jennifer Jason Leigh as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the First Lady of the United States. * C. Thomas Howell as John Connally, the Governor of Texas. * Doug McKeon as Walter Jenkins, a top aide to President Johnson. * Michael Mosley as Kenneth O'Donnell, a key aide to President Kennedy.

Production

Development for the film began with director Rob Reiner and writer Joey Hartstone aiming to explore the legislative genius of Lyndon B. Johnson. Principal photography commenced in New Orleans, which stood in for Washington, D.C., and other locations in Louisiana in October 2015. Woody Harrelson underwent significant prosthetic makeup work by artist Tony Gardner to physically resemble the president. The production was a collaboration between Reiner's company, Castle Rock Entertainment, and financiers Acacia Filmed Entertainment and Savvy Media Holdings.

Release

LBJ had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2016. Its theatrical release in the United States was handled by Electric Entertainment and began on November 3, 2017. International distribution rights were acquired by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film was also screened at the Austin Film Festival, given its subject's deep ties to Texas.

Reception

Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating based on collected reviews. Praise often centered on Woody Harrelson's committed performance, with particular note of his embodiment of Lyndon B. Johnson's larger-than-life persona and political cunning. However, many critics, including those from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, found the screenplay conventional and the historical portrayal overly simplistic. The film was a modest box office performer, grossing approximately $2.5 million worldwide.

Historical accuracy

While capturing the broad strokes of Lyndon B. Johnson's political life, the film takes dramatic license with several historical details and timelines for narrative compression. The tense relationship between Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy is a central, accurately portrayed conflict. However, some events, such as Johnson's interactions with Senator Ralph Yarborough and the specific sequencing of debates over the Civil Rights Act of 1964, are condensed or fictionalized. Historians noted that the film effectively highlights Johnson's profound understanding of the United States Senate but simplifies the complex political coalition-building of the era.

Category:2016 films Category:American biographical drama films Category:Films about Lyndon B. Johnson Category:Films directed by Rob Reiner Category:Films about the Kennedy family Category:Films set in Washington, D.C. Category:2010s English-language films