The American President

The American President

Year: 1995

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

DramaComedyRomance

As re-election approaches, U.S. President Andrew Shepherd, a widower, finds himself falling for Sydney Ellen Wade, a lobbyist. Their unexpected romance quickly becomes public, subjecting them to intense scrutiny and threatening his presidency. A shrewd political rival uses the situation to his advantage, creating further complications. Shepherd must now navigate the pressures of his political career and the demands of his office while considering the personal happiness he has found.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The American President yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The American President (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The American President (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary America, capturing the political landscape of the mid-1990s. This period witnessed significant political maneuverings and shifting public opinions, particularly around environmental legislation and crime control, both central themes in President Shepherd's administration.

Location

Washington D.C., Hartford, Connecticut

Washington D.C. serves as the political epicenter of the United States, known for its iconic monuments and the White House, where President Andrew Shepherd conducts his administration's affairs. Hartford, Connecticut, is recognized as a hub for financial services and insurance, reflecting a more personal significance in the story as a potential new beginning for Sydney Ellen Wade.

🏛️ Capital 🌍 Environment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Main Characters – The American President (1995)

Meet the key characters of The American President (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Andrew Shepherd (Martin Sheen)

President Andrew Shepherd is a charismatic and politically savvy leader, grappling with the loneliness of his position as a widower. His dedication to public service is evident, but his emotional journey reveals vulnerabilities, especially in matters of the heart and political ethics.

💼 President ❤️ Leader 🏛️ Politician

Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening)

Sydney Ellen Wade is a passionate and determined environmental lawyer whose advocacy challenges the status quo. Her character embodies strength and tenacity, as she navigates the complexities of political alliances while forming a personal connection with President Shepherd.

🌍 Activist ❤️ Lawyer 💔 Love Interest

A. J. MacInerney (Michael Douglas)

A. J. MacInerney serves as Shepherd's Chief of Staff and a loyal friend, often acting as the voice of reason. His pragmatic approach to politics contrasts with Shepherd's idealism, and he wrestles with the consequences of their political decisions.

👔 Chief of Staff 🤝 Ally 🤔 Strategist

Senator Bob Rumson (Michael J. Fox)

Senator Bob Rumson emerges as a formidable political opponent, using harsh criticism to undermine Shepherd's credibility. His character represents the harsh realities of political opposition and the lengths politicians will go to sway public opinion.

🎭 Opponent 🗳️ Politician 🎙️ Critic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Major Themes – The American President (1995)

Explore the central themes of The American President (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love & Politics

The intertwining of romance and political ambition showcases the complexities of personal relationships within the demanding sphere of public service. As Shepherd navigates his feelings for Wade amidst the pressures of re-election and political debates, the theme highlights the sacrifices and compromises made in the name of love and duty.

⚖️ Ethics & Integrity

The film delves into the themes of ethics and integrity, especially as Shepherd faces scrutiny from political rivals. The conflict between personal values and political pressure raises questions about the moral compromises leaders must confront to succeed in their agendas.

♻️ Environmental Advocacy

Through Sydney Wade's character, the film emphasizes the importance of environmental legislation and advocacy. The tension between economic priorities and environmental responsibility reflects broader societal issues regarding climate change and the political will to address such challenges.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Unlock the Full Story of The American President

Don't stop at just watching — explore The American President in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The American President is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The American President Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The American President, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The American President Summary

The American President Timeline

Track the full timeline of The American President with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The American President Timeline

More About The American President

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The American President: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The American President

Similar Movies to The American President

Discover movies like The American President that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.