What: Presidential scandal prompts a spin doctor to hire a movie producer to manufacture a fake war between the U.S. and Albania, thereby distracting the media. Wag the Dog is directed by Barry Levinson, written by David Mamet and Hilary Henkin, and stars Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, plus it has the additional advantage (?) of basically predicting the future from waaay back in 1997. (I remember when this film seemed like an hour and a half of comedic hyperbole. Sigh.) I dare you to watch the entire film without wincing at least once.
Comparable to: Same kind of "the way we live in media now" satire as Thank You for Smoking.
Representative quote: "What difference does it make if it's true? If it's a story and it breaks, they're gonna run with it."
You might not like it if: You think satire is all well and good, but this makes you want to shut yourself in your room and cry for a couple of days. Maybe the presence of Willie Nelson will cheer you up, though.
How to get it: You can watch it instantly on Amazon, borrow it from your library, or rent it.
Connection to previous Wreckage: Christopher Buckley's novel Thank You for Smoking --- the basis for that film --- was Rec. #87.
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