Vice

Vice

Year: 2018

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

Director: Adam McKay

BiographyDramaHistoryComedy

During the 2000 presidential election, Texas Governor George W. Bush chooses Halliburton CEO Dick Cheney as his running mate, an unexpected decision that sets in motion a chain of events with profound consequences. Cheney, a man with a distinguished political history, sees a chance to gain significant power and influence. The film explores how his ambition shapes the Bush presidency and significantly alters the course of American policy and its impact on the world stage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Vice (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Vice (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1963-2012

The movie spans several decades, beginning in the early 1960s and progressing through major political events up to 2012. This period includes the Vietnam War, the Watergate Scandal, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror, each significantly influencing Cheney's political journey and personal life.

Location

Wyoming, White House, Afghanistan, Iraq

Wyoming serves as the backdrop for Cheney's early struggles and personal development. The White House is depicted as a powerful hub of political maneuvering, especially during the Nixon and Ford administrations. The film also references the global impact of Cheney's decisions in Afghanistan and Iraq, highlighting the ramifications of U.S. foreign policy.

🏛️ Politics 🌍 Global 🏜️ Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Main Characters – Vice (2018)

Meet the key characters of Vice (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dick Cheney (Christian Bale)

Dick Cheney is depicted as a complex and ambitious political figure whose rise to power is marked by calculated decisions and manipulative strategies. His character grapples with personal demons, including his strained family relationships and health issues, which reflect the toll of his relentless pursuit of power. The narrative paints him as both a mastermind and a tragic figure who ultimately faces the consequences of his choices.

💼 Politician 🔍 Ambitious ⚰️ Tragic

Lynne Cheney (Amy Adams)

Lynne Cheney emerges as a supportive yet fiercely intelligent partner whose aspirations are often overshadowed by her husband's ambitions. As a character, she balances her role as a dedicated wife and mother while navigating the socio-political landscape of the time. Her determination and advocacy for her family, especially during Mary's coming out, reveal a multifaceted personality that adds depth to the narrative.

👩‍🏫 Strong Woman 💖 Supportive 📚 Intellectual

Kurt (Jesse Plemons)

Kurt serves as the narrator of the story, providing a unique perspective on Cheney's life and the events surrounding his political career. As a fictional character and a war veteran, he symbolizes both the sacrifices made for the nation and the implications of Cheney's policies. His presence anchors the emotional weight of the narrative, allowing viewers to reflect on the broader consequences of political actions.

🎖️ Veteran 📖 Narrator 🌍 Observer

Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell)

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

🕴️ Advisor 🧩 Cunning ⚖️ Controversial

Liz Cheney (Lily Rabe)

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 reflects the generational conflict surrounding political ideologies, especially regarding her sister's coming out and her stance on same-sex marriage. Liz represents both loyalty and the struggle for personal identity in the context of a powerful family.

👩‍⚖️ Politician 💪 Determined 🌈 Advocate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Major Themes – Vice (2018)

Explore the central themes of Vice (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Power & Influence

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

👨‍👧‍👦 Family & Sacrifice

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 strikes a chord about personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of power and the resulting familial consequences.

🕊️ Regret & Reflection

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 his claims of having no regrets, it leaves an open question about the true cost of his decisions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Unlock the Full Story of Vice

Don't stop at just watching — explore Vice 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 Vice is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Vice Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Vice, 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.

Vice Summary

Vice Timeline

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

Vice Timeline

More About Vice

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Vice: 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 Vice

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