Vice (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Vice is set across multiple significant locations, including the White House in Washington D.C. where key political decisions are made, Wyoming representing Dick Cheney's rural roots and family background, and Iraq which serves as the backdrop for the controversial military invasion driven by the administration's policies.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes in Wyoming establish the personal origins that contrast sharply with the corridors of power in Washington.

• setting
• locations
• white house
• wyoming
• iraq
• washington

Vice spans several decades from the turbulent 1970s through the early 2000s, encompassing major historical events like Watergate, the rise of cable news, and the decision-making process leading to the Iraq War.

Foreshadowing: The opening sequences hint at the political landscape that would define Cheney's career trajectory.

• time period
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s
• 2000s
• historical
• era

The central theme of Vice is the pursuit of political power and control, exemplified by Dick Cheney's rise from modest Wyoming roots to the most powerful vice presidency in American history. The film examines how ambition becomes intertwined with authority, showcasing the darker aspects of governance and raising questions about morality and responsibility in leadership.

Foreshadowing: Cheney's early political maneuvers foreshadow his later willingness to consolidate power.

• power
• control
• ambition
• governance
• leadership
• theme

Family relationships are intricately woven throughout Vice, particularly the bond between Dick and Lynne Cheney. Their marriage is portrayed as a political partnership where Lynne's ambition and resilience support Dick's career. The film also explores their daughter Mary's coming out and the political implications it created, highlighting the personal sacrifices and challenges faced by powerful political families.

Foreshadowing: The family's early interactions reveal tensions that later become politically complicated.

• family
• lynne cheney
• mary cheney
• marriage
• relationships
• personal life

War and its ramifications serve as a haunting theme throughout Vice. The Iraq invasion stands as a stark reminder of the costs of conflict, illustrating how the acquisition of political power led to devastating human losses, profound moral dilemmas, and long-lasting effects on both soldiers and civilians. The film critically examines the decision-making that led to war and its devastating consequences.

Foreshadowing: The buildup to the Iraq War is foreshadowed by the administration's early foreign policy discussions.

• war
• iraq
• consequences
• military
• invasion
• casualties

Dick Cheney is portrayed as a complex and often ruthless political figure driven by ambition and a desire for influence. His calculated approach to governance allows him to navigate political landscapes with ease, yet it leads him to make morally questionable decisions with far-reaching consequences, including the Iraq War and the expansion of executive power.

Foreshadowing: Cheney's early career decisions hint at his willingness to operate in moral gray areas.

• dick cheney
• character
• portrayal
• vice president
• politician

Lynne Cheney is portrayed as a steadfast partner to Dick, embodying ambition and resilience. She demonstrates deep commitment to family and actively supports Dick during his political campaigns while grappling with personal challenges arising from his political choices, including controversies surrounding their daughter.

Foreshadowing: Lynne's political astuteness is established early as she advises Dick on strategy.

• lynn cheney
• character
• wife
• first lady
• support

Donald Rumsfeld is depicted as a shrewd and formidable political ally of Dick Cheney. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Rumsfeld plays a crucial role in shaping Cheney's political ideology and actions during pivotal moments in history, particularly during the Iraq War planning and execution.

Foreshadowing: Rumsfeld's early interactions with Cheney establish their lasting political alliance.

• donald rumsfeld
• character
• secretary of defense
• ally
• advisor

Mary Cheney is portrayed as a dynamic character navigating her identity in the shadow of her father's political legacy. Her struggles with public perception and family expectations highlight the personal toll of being related to a controversial political figure, particularly regarding her sexual orientation and its intersection with her father's political career.

Foreshadowing: Mary's character hints at tensions that become politically significant.

• mary cheney
• character
• daughter
• identity
• family legacy

Vice covers the post-9/11 period as a pivotal moment in Cheney's vice presidency, depicting how the administration responded to the attacks with expanded executive powers, the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the eventual decision to invade Iraq. The White House serves as the central setting for these critical decisions.

Foreshadowing: The film's depiction of pre-9/11 intelligence briefings foreshadows the administration's later justifications for war.

• 9/11
• terrorism
• homeland security
• department of homeland security
• post-9/11
• era