Movies: He Had a Great Fall

A new take on All the King's Men turns the ultimate political cautionary tale into an existential epic

An idealistic, charismatic and compassionate politician comes out of nowhere to be elected Governor of a somewhat bedraggled Southern state. He may be an affront to the local establishment, but he has a real feel for populist discontent and the ability to turn that inchoate unhappiness into a potent political force. He's also an irresistible subject for the media, ever avid for gaudy and enigmatic political figures capable of adding a touch of color to a scene that is generally painted in the gray tones of compromise. The fellow has his weaknesses, especially for fast women. And there is that little...

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