Wag the Dog

1997 R 1h 37m DVD

Wag the Dog

1997 R 1h 37m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
When the president is caught in a sex scandal less than two weeks before the election, White House spinmaster Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro) creates a phony war with the help of Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) to distract the electorate. From acclaimed director Barry Levinson and writers Hilary Henkin and David Mamet comes this biting look at American politics and its insidious relationship with the media.
Cast
Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson, Andrea Martin, Kirsten Dunst, William H. Macy, Woody Harrelson, John Michael Higgins, Suzie Plakson, Craig T. Nelson
Director
Barry Levinson
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1, Pan-and-Scan 1.33:1, Unmatted 1.33:1
Subtitles
English, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
Yes
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
age 16+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 16+
age 16+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the president is accused of molesting a teenage girl. All of the main characters lie and work to defraud the voters in order to have their candidate re-elected. A woman sleeps with a man in order to advance their conspiracy. Conrad has a producer killed when he threatens to reveal the faked war.

Sexual Content

A White House staff member sleeps with a member of the press to advance their conspiracy. She's shown in bed draped in a sheet.

Violence

Two people are killed off-screen. It's implied that a sex offender attacked a farmer's wife. The president is accused of molestation.

Language

A lot of swearing: "f--k" (many times), as well as "s--t" and many others.

Social Behavior

A group of White House staffers conspires to defraud the American public so they can keep their candidate in office.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some drinking and smoking cigarettes and cigars by adults.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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