Vice 2018

Vice unfolds through the narration of Kurt (Jesse Plemons), a fictional veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. The narrative kicks off with Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) and several White House figures grappling with the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. It then glides back to Wyoming in 1963, where a young Cheney struggles as a lineman and battles alcoholism that leads him to drop out of Yale, a scholarship provided by his girlfriend Lynne Cheney (Amy Adams). Following a reckless episode with a traffic cop due to intoxication, his determined wife Lynne encourages him to turn his life around, highlighting her own intellect and aspirations during an era when women faced significant barriers to success.

The timeline progresses to 1969, where Cheney secures a position as a White House intern in the Nixon Administration. Under the mentorship of Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell), Nixon’s economic advisor, he hones his political acumen while balancing the demands of his family, including daughters Liz (Lily Rabe) and Mary Cheney (Alison Pill). During this period, Cheney overhears a striking conversation between Henry Kissinger and Nixon regarding the clandestine bombing of Cambodia, offering him a glimpse into the profound influence of the executive branch. As Rumsfeld is distanced from Nixon and sent to Brussels, Cheney swiftly rises to the role of White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford (Bill Camp).

In a series of escalating events, after Ford’s defeat, Cheney embarks on a run for Wyoming representative, only to suffer a heart attack following a lackluster campaign speech. During his recovery, Lynne steps in to campaign for him, ultimately securing him a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Under the Reagan Administration, Cheney champions a series of conservative, pro-business initiatives that bolster the fossil fuel industry. His ambitions lead to a pivotal role as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush during the Gulf War.

While navigating personal challenges, the couple confronts Mary’s coming out, prompting Cheney to reconsider his political future to shield his daughter from media scrutiny. Post-political life allows him to become the CEO of Halliburton, while Lynne engages in writing and raising golden retrievers. An initial false epilogue suggests that Cheney enjoys a healthy and happy private life, only for the narrative to continue as he receives the offer to be George W. Bush’s (Sam Rockwell) running mate in the 2000 presidential election.

Recognizing Bush’s intentions to prioritize his father’s legacy over his own ambitions, Cheney agrees, under the condition that he is entrusted with “mundane” executive duties such as energy and foreign policy. As Vice President, Cheney collaborates with Rumsfeld, legal counsel David Addington (not in the provided cast), and Chief of Staff Scooter Libby (Justin Kirk), orchestrating significant foreign policy and defense maneuvers.

The narrative then revisits the climate following the September 11 attacks, portraying Cheney and Rumsfeld’s efforts to instigate the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, which result in civilian casualties and prisoner abuse. As the War on Terror intensifies, Cheney grapples with ongoing health issues. The portrayal also covers controversial aspects of his vice presidency, notable incidents like the Plame affair, the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington (not in the provided cast), and familial tensions across political lines regarding same-sex marriage.

With a close examination of his decisions leading to widespread consequences, Cheney’s approval ratings plummet by the end of the Bush administration. The narrative reaches an emotional crescendo as Kurt narrates Cheney’s regretful farewell to his family after yet another health crisis. In a shocking turn, he dies in a traffic accident while jogging. By March 2012, his transplanted heart finds new life within Cheney. The story progresses with Liz embarking on a campaign against same-sex marriage while vying for a Senate seat and ultimately winning her father’s former position in Congress, which contributes to divisions within the family.

In a defiant conclusion, Cheney breaks the fourth wall, asserting he holds no regrets over his actions. A chaotic mid-credits scene reveals a focus group in turmoil as discussions unfold over the film’s narrative and the latest Fast and Furious installment.