Two cynical political dramas that center on aspiring senators trying not to be undone by sex scandals…
Zipper…Patrick Wilson plays a state prosecutor running for senator who develops a love for prostitutes. The movie wants to have something interesting to say about why we judge politicians for their sex lives–and that would have been an interesting movie–but eventually just settles for a more routine “politics corrupts absolutely” narrative. “Zipper” had a chance to transcend what we think about political affairs but settles for just being one more “politicians are so sleazy” judgment. Still, it’s well-made and the movie has a terrific look. Grade: C+
The Runner…Nicolas Cage gives a surprisingly good performance as a Gulf Coast congressman trying to make BP pay for the infamous oil spill, and possibly leverage that into a senate seat. But his fate has other plans as a sex scandal unravels all that, and the political redemption tale that takes place is Cage’s best movie in years (damnation with faint praise, I know). This movie has much more interesting points to make about political sex scandals undermining real issues and what happens to reformers who take on the oil industrial complex. Instead of just saying “politicians will betray all their values to stay in office” this movie shows you why that is, and why it’s so important for them to hang on to the job. Still, I would rather have seen a better portrayal of black woman/white man couples than for Cage to be undone by an “illicit” affair, but find salvation with Sarah Paulsen’s more wholesome white lady. Grade: B