Tanner '88
During the 1988 presidential campaign, Democratic hopefuls spiritedly canvass the country, jostle for their party’s nomination and the honor of opposing Republican Vice president George Bush, when Senator Jack Tanner, suddenly emerges from the shadows of a lengthy political hiatus to challenge candidates such as Al Gore, Jesse Jackson, Gary Hart, and Michael Dukakis. Filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau created this mock-documentary television miniseries, which brought a fictitious presidential candidate out on the campaign trail and shed a revelatory light on America’s political process and landscape. The Criterion Collection is proud to present Tanner ’88 in its entirety, from New Hampshire to the convention… and beyond.
Member Reviews
Interesting Altman... - Sparky4
In an interview on the DVD, director Robert Altman said that "Tanner '88" was one of the most interesting projects he ever directed and I believe that. Keep in mind, this is no small feat, when you consider Altman's impressive body of work (Gosford Park, M*A*S*H, The Player, Short Cuts etc). The most surprising thing about the film is that it doesn't seem completely cynical about the political process, and thus isn't as smug and self-satisfied as Altman's other work. (If you looked up smug and self-satisfied in the film dictionary, you'd see a picture of Robert Altman with a smug and satisfied smile).
As a television series, Altman has the opportunity to expand on pretty much anything he wants. Why didn't Altman do more television work? All his gradiose multi-plot films seem too rushed and abbreviated compared to "Tanner 88".
Yet despite all the hullaballoo about fictional candidate Jack Tanner, he certainly wouldn't get my vote. He seems to bland and undecided, and his classic speech in Episode 1 that helps his campaign hit the ground running doesn't do anything for me. I wouldn't vote for you Mr. Tanner, I'd vote for Jesse.Wish I could like it. . . - The_Librarian
Altman and Trudeau (Doonesbury) put together a political comedy that is set amongst the 88 election and mixes real people with the character of Tanner. unfortunately this film fails, I would reccomend Election or Bob Roberts for a better political satire. Not very funny of insightful maybe in 88 it was groundbreaking but in 2005 it does not work. The only highlight is how the Tanner crew sometimes make like Rick Mercer and interacts with politicians such as Bob Dole
Member Reviews
Read All...
Interesting Altman... - Sparky4
In an interview on the DVD, director Robert Altman said that "Tanner '88" was one of the most interesting projects he ever directed and I believe that. Keep in mind, this is no small feat, when you consider Altman's impressive body of work (Gosford Park, ...Wish I could like it. . . - The_Librarian
Altman and Trudeau (Doonesbury) put together a political comedy that is set amongst the 88 election and mixes real people with the character of Tanner. unfortunately this film fails, I would reccomend Election or Bob Roberts for a better political satire. ...