From the sets of 20th century Hollywood to the most powerful seat in the nation, Reagan tells the story of the rise of Ronald Reagan to the world stage.
Dennis Quaid takes on the role of the famed republican president, and he gives an outstanding performance. There were times I couldn’t tell if it was his voice or that of an actual Reagan recording. He nails the cadence of the voice, and his physical appearance and mannerisms are spot on. In an interview with Hollywood First Look, he spoke about how Reagan, known as the “Great Communicator,” was actually a very private person and built a wall that very few people saw behind, except for his wife Nancy, and that is where he lived as his most intimate self.
A very central part of the story is the relationship between Reagan and his wife, Nancy. In fact, Jon Voight, who plays retired KGB agent Viktor Petrovich and serves as a narrator in the film, describes the film as a love story in an interview with HFL. Penelope Ann Miller plays opposite Quaid as Nancy. She also performs outstandingly, capturing the first lady’s essence and spirited nature. We see her as her husband’s best friend, confidante, fierce protector, and number one champion. On playing one of the U.S.’s most well-known First Ladies, Miller told HFL, “I learned a lot about her heart, and her insecurities, and her vulnerabilities and her strengths…it was daunting and scary to play her, and I felt I owed it to her legacy to honor her as well as I could.”
The Sean McNamara-led biopic makes the story of the man the focus of the film with his politics serving more as support in telling his story. McNamara followed the guidance of John Avildsen, director of Rocky, who was initially slated to direct the film but passed away shortly after joining the project. According to those involved in the movie, Avildsen often said, “Rocky was not a story about boxing. Boxing was simply Rocky’s job. Similarly, the Reagan film is not a film about politics, but the story of a man who happens to be in politics.”
Although the film doesn’t dive deep into Reagan’s political decisions and policies, they do highlight the significant policies his administration is known for, such as the tax cuts and the fall of the Berlin Wall. I did appreciate that the filmmakers were not afraid to touch on the low points of his political career as well, such as the Iran-Contra affair. However, because the coverage of all the political decisions and events is very surface level and fighting communism was such a huge motivator for Reagan, the film seems to provide a very pronounced message of the United States as the righteous savior in a world of evil. It reminded me of the old Hollywood westerns where cowboys would face off and triumph over the “Indians” (Native Americans). Given that we are approaching a complex election where there are still talks and accusations of communism, it can make the film seem like it’s providing a biased message. It should be noted, though, that this film was supposed to be released over a year ago but was delayed due to Covid and the actors’ strike.
Reagan is out in theaters now.
