Vice (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film spans multiple locations, beginning in Wyoming where Cheney's early life and political career take shape. Key scenes are set in the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations, where Cheney rises through political ranks. The movie also covers the global impact of his decisions in Afghanistan and Iraq, showing how American foreign policy affected nations abroad.

• wyoming
• white house
• afghanistan
• iraq
• settings
• locations

Vice spans nearly five decades, from 1963 through 2012. The narrative moves through major historical moments including the Vietnam War, Watergate Scandal, Gulf War, and the War on Terror. This extended timeline allows the film to trace Cheney's political evolution from a young staffer to the most powerful vice president in American history.

• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s
• 2000s
• 2010s
• time period
• historical events

Dick Cheney is portrayed as a complex and ambitious political figure who rises to power through calculated decisions and strategic maneuvering. The film depicts him as both a mastermind of political strategy and a tragic figure haunted by the consequences of his choices. His character grapples with personal demons including strained family relationships and health issues that reflect the toll of his relentless pursuit of power.

• dick cheney
• vice president
• character
• politician
• ambition

Lynne Cheney is depicted as a supportive yet fiercely intelligent partner whose own aspirations are often overshadowed by her husband's political ambitions. She serves as a balancing force in the family, dedicated wife and mother while navigating the socio-political landscape. Her most notable moment comes when she advocates for their daughter Mary during her coming out, revealing a multifaceted personality that adds depth to the political narrative.

• lynne cheney
• wife
• family
• support
• mary cheney

Kurt, played by Jesse Plemons, serves as the film's narrator and provides a unique perspective on Cheney's life and political career. Created as a fictional character, Kurt is a war veteran who represents the human cost of political decisions. His presence anchors the emotional weight of the narrative, allowing viewers to reflect on the broader consequences of policies enacted during Cheney's tenure.

• kurt
• narrator
• jesse plemons
• veteran
• perspective

Donald Rumsfeld is portrayed as a cunning and influential mentor to Cheney, guiding him through the complexities of political strategy during critical moments in American history. His character embodies the intertwining of personal ambition and national interest, serving both as a friend and rival within the political landscape. The film highlights his role in shaping key foreign policy decisions that would define the Bush administration.

• donald rumsfeld
• steve carell
• mentor
• secretary of defense
• foreign policy

Liz Cheney is depicted as a determined and ambitious daughter who grapples with her father's legacy while carving her own political path. Her character represents the generational conflict surrounding political ideologies, particularly regarding her sister Mary's coming out and her own evolving stance on same-sex marriage. Liz symbolizes both loyalty to her father and the struggle for personal identity within a powerful political family.

• liz cheney
• daughter
• politician
• family conflict
• legacy

The theme of power and influence pervades the narrative, exploring how Cheney navigates and rises within the American political landscape. His tactics and decisions shape U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing both the weight of these choices and their long-lasting global consequences. The film critically examines the moral implications of wielding such power, leaving audiences to question the legacy left behind.

• power
• influence
• politics
• foreign policy
• moral implications
• legacy

Family dynamics play a crucial role in Cheney's story, particularly how his political ambitions impact his relationships with his wife and daughters. The film portrays moments of familial love, support, and tension, especially surrounding Mary's coming out. It examines the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of power and the resulting consequences for family bonds, showing how political success often comes at a personal cost.

• family
• sacrifice
• marriage
• daughters
• mary cheney
• coming out

Regret and reflection are central themes, especially during Cheney's later years as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. The narrative culminates in a poignant moment of introspection, prompting viewers to consider the moral weight of political choices. Despite Cheney's public claims of having no regrets, the film leaves an open question about the true cost of his decisions.

• regret
• reflection
• legacy
• consequences
• introspection
• moral cost

The film presents political ambition as a double-edged sword, showing how Cheney's drive for power led to significant achievements but also grave consequences. Through his journey from a young political aide to the most powerful vice president in history, the film examines the moral compromises required for political success and questions whether the cost to personal relationships and national integrity was worth it.

• ambition
• politics
• cost
• compromise
• power
• success

The film critically examines the War on Terror, showing how Cheney's decisions shaped U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and Iraq. It highlights the global ramifications of these choices, including enhanced interrogation techniques and the expansion of executive power. Through Kurt's perspective as a war veteran, the film connects political decisions to real human consequences on the ground.

• war on terror
• afghanistan
• iraq
• foreign policy
• enhanced interrogation
• consequences