All the Kings Men

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... All the King's Men!

Original image located here. Accessed 15th March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 22 (1949)

I was drawn to this one as it tells a story that would sound familiar to modern audiences: A lawyer makes the leap into politics where he appeals to the common man. Utilising claims that he represents their interests, the politician goes from strength to strength but it isn't long before he starts getting his hands dirty.

For a movie made in 1949 this is hasn't aged and is still relevant (unfortunately). It was even quite ballsy for the time, having elements that I wouldn't have expected from a movie of this era. And it is equally surprising that a movie of this nature would've won Best Picture at the Oscars.
But what makes this movie particularly interesting is the unclear nature of the protagonist: Was he a good man seduced by corruption of power? Or was he already a bad man whose intent truly came out when success came? And that's what makes this movie shine.