Our Brand Is Crisis (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in La Paz, Bolivia, the country's administrative capital perched over 3,650 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The city is known for its stunning mountainous landscape, vibrant indigenous culture, and bustling markets. The high altitude creates a visually striking and challenging environment that shapes the atmosphere of the political drama.

• la paz
• bolivia
• setting
• location
• andes

The film reflects contemporary political dynamics and modern campaigning practices. While no specific year is mentioned, the story captures the present-day intersection of personal ambitions and the cutthroat nature of political strategy in a changing socio-political landscape.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern
• era

Jane Bodine, nicknamed 'Calamity Jane', is a renowned but weary political strategist who comes out of self-imposed exile to manage a presidential campaign in Bolivia. She is sharp-witted, ambitious, and known for her bold campaigning style. Throughout the film, she grapples with personal insecurities while fighting for authenticity in a political world dominated by appearances and manipulation.

• jane bodine
• calamity jane
• protagonist
• political strategist

Pat Candy is Jane Bodine's former adversary and a savvy political strategist known for his cutthroat tactics. He serves as Jane's main rival in the Bolivian campaign, embodying the competitive and often ruthless nature of electoral politics. His character highlights the darker aspects of campaign strategy and amplifies the ethical dilemmas facing campaigners.

• pat candy
• antagonist
• rival
• political strategist

The film centers on the pursuit of authenticity in political representation. Jane Bodine challenges the superficiality of modern political campaigning, advocating for genuine connection with voters and honest portrayal of candidates. This theme resonates throughout as Jane navigates her personal transformation while facing the expectations placed upon her in the chaotic world of electoral politics.

• authenticity
• political campaigning
• themes
• honesty

The film intricately weaves moments of chaos into the narrative, highlighting the unpredictability of electoral politics. Jane's unconventional strategies lead to both humorous and dramatic events that reflect the turbulent nature of campaign life. The balance between disorder and strategic decision-making becomes pivotal in shaping the campaign's outcome.

• chaos
• political campaigns
• unpredictability
• strategy

Politics serves as the backdrop for the entire storyline, revealing the complexities of contemporary electioneering. The movie explores key ethical dilemmas faced by campaigners, including the impact of political actions on individuals and society, voter perception manipulation, and the tension between winning and maintaining integrity. These themes highlight the moral compromises required in competitive politics.

• ethics
• politics
• moral dilemmas
• campaign strategy

The film carries a tense atmosphere with medium intensity, reflecting the high-stakes nature of a political campaign where every decision has immediate consequences. The pacing is steady as the story methodically follows the campaign's progression. While dealing with themes of cynicism and the personal toll of ruthless tactics, the movie incorporates humor derived from the absurdity of campaign life, blending drama with comedic elements.

• tone
• style
• mood
• atmosphere
• drama
• comedy

The movie uses Bolivia as its setting to explore universal themes of political competition, identity, and campaign strategy in a non-American context. This choice allows the film to examine the intersection of local political dynamics with international political consulting, highlighting how campaign tactics operate across different cultural and political landscapes.

• bolivia
• presidential campaign
• electoral politics

The film concludes with a bittersweet outcome: the candidate Castillo wins the election, representing a professional victory for Jane. However, Jane chooses to leave the political field afterward, suggesting her victory feels hollow. The ending is accompanied by protests, highlighting the compromises made during the campaign and questioning whether winning at any cost is truly worth it.

• ending
• victory
• politics
• compromise
• bittersweet