Forecasting the Oscars ® since 2003

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It's about who will"

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR: OUR SCREENPLAY REVIEW

What can we expect from the buzzed adaptation after reading Aaron Sorkin's script?

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By Joey Magidson

One of the most anticipated films of the upcoming awards season is “Charlie Wilson’s War”. It boasts two A-list actors (Tom Hanks in the lead, and Julia Roberts in a substantial supporting role), a number of respected character actors (including Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Emily Blunt), a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, and is under the direction of Mike Nichols (The Graduate, The Birdcage, and Closer to name a few of his credits). Since it’s gone into production it’s been crowned a potential frontrunner. Now that I have read the script and gotten an idea of what the film will be like, I can venture a guess as to whether this film will be a big hit with Oscar or fade into obscurity upon release.

The answer is…..both. A bit of a cop-out I know, but this really is a hard film to judge. The topic is political/historical (Congressman Charlie Wilson leads a secret campaign to help Afghan rebels drive out the Russian invaders….with unforeseen consequences) but not a stuffy and boring affair. It features typical Sorkin dialogue (fast paced and intelligent conversations, snappy comebacks, and a general wit), and gives Hanks and Roberts some great lines to utter. All of this could go either way. The “sort of true story” could end up winning people over like “Munich” in the sense that the Academy will reward it with some nominations, or it could end up forgotten, like “The Good Shepherd”. The Sorkin factor could attract people ala “The West Wing” or leave them indifferent, ala “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”.

The only thing that I can say with some sense of certainty is that both Hanks and Roberts will definitely have a good shot at nominations. These roles are not the typical types of parts that they get. Charlie Wilson is a semi alcoholic politician that is not corrupt, but shouldn’t join the priesthood anytime soon. He’s not a bad guy, but he’s severely misguided. Hanks should be able to make him something of a tragic character, and he could very well be looking at his sixth nomination if he nails the role. Joanne Herring is a powerful socialite with a hint of femme fatale in her, and this could do a world of good for Roberts. She is a strong character, someone like Erin Brockovich except with fewer morals. Julia hasn’t been in the spotlight in a while, but this juicy part should get her right back up there, and possibly up at the podium to accept another Oscar.

Finally, the picture itself is a question mark. Nichols should be able to keep the film tightly focused and entertaining, but it may be a bit on the long side, and some people may just view it as a less violent version of the Nicholas Cage film “Lord of War”. Hopefully this won’t be the case, as it’s a very unique film with something to say about our past, our present, and our future in the Middle East. The epilogue of the film is a real surprise, and if the film becomes a word of mouth hit, it may be because of the final minute of the film.

As it stands right now, “Charlie Wilson’s War” potentially could dominate the nominations, or be left out in the cold. It all depends on the critics...

Potential Nominations

Best Film Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Director
Best Picture

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