The Deal
2003
From the writer/director team behind 2006's Oscar favourite THE QUEEN, this made-for-TV political drama almost serves as its prequel. Based partly on James Naughtie's book THE RIVALS: THE INTIMATE STORY OF A POLITICAL MARRIAGE, THE DEAL chronicles the early career of Tony Blair, when, as a Member of Parliament, he supposedly .. Read more
| Starring | Paul Rhys, David Morrissey, Michael Sheen, Elizabeth Berrington |
|---|---|
| Director | Stephen Frears |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Deal
From the writer/director team behind 2006's Oscar favourite THE QUEEN, this made-for-TV political drama almost serves as its prequel. Based partly on James Naughtie's book THE RIVALS: THE INTIMATE STORY OF A POLITICAL MARRIAGE, THE DEAL chronicles the early career of Tony Blair, when, as a Member of Parliament, he supposedly struck a deal with colleague Gordon Brown to obtain leadership of the Labour party, agreeing to step down as Prime Minister so Brown could take his place. Michael Sheen displays an uncanny knack for understated mimicry in his portrayal of Blair--a role he would later reprise in THE QUEEN--while David Morrissey (STATE OF PLAY) is equally adept as Brown. The drama has been rather sensationally described as 'a love story between Blair and Brown', a reference to the film's depiction of a once close friendship descending into a tense, sometimes fractious working relationship. With epic Shakespearean themes of power struggle and betrayal, THE DEAL succeeds in putting a human face on a very private episode of British political history.
| Starring | Paul Rhys, David Morrissey, Michael Sheen, Elizabeth Berrington, Frank Kelly, Dexter Fletcher |
|---|---|
| Director | Stephen Frears |
| Studio | 4DVD |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 15 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 19 May 2008 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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With great performances from David Morrissey and Michael Sheen, the drama works brilliantly. I was left wanting a sequel.
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Tightly written and effectively acted
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Most helpful member's review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Excellent performances
This is a brilliant drama with yet another fantastic performance from Michael Sheen, one of Britain's best actors. It's particularly interesting given current events with Gordon Brown struggling as Prime Minister. This shows him to be a passionate and intelligent man but not very personable and lacking the easy charm which Tony Blair had. Here's hoping for a third Blair film (The Queen with Helen Mirren was the sequel to this). Can I suggest it be about Tony Blair reflecting on his last days in office about the decisons that led to the Iraq war, his relationship with George W Bush and his desperate attempts to control his place in history?
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Most recent members' review
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Fantastic
I got this film after watching The Queen, which is a kind of unofficial sequel to this. This is the story of Gordon Brown and Tony Blair's alleged agreement for Blair to take over the leadership of the Labour Party - He doesn;t come out of this very well!!!
Excellent performances by David Morrissey as Brown and the incredible Michael Sheen as Blair. The first time Blair/Sheen is on screen will send a shiver down your spine, the likeness is simply uncanny!
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- Jonno0 from Fife
- Posted 02 Apr 2009 22:18
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