Films about US presidents: what is reflected in these motion pictures

George Washington

Thomas Jefferson

Abraham Lincoln

Pictures about US presidents reveal not only their personal qualities, but also give a glimpse of democracy in action. Today we have a selection of 12 presidents, each portrayed in a different way.

George Washington

He is the 1st President of the United States of America and is considered the founder of the nation. George Washington is depicted on the $1 bill, and the capital of the country bears his name. Washington was a political leader and military commander, it was his administration that allowed independence to be achieved. However, despite his merits, one should not forget about his slaveholding past and his relationship with the Indians.

The 1984 movie, based on the book by James Flexner, details Washington’s life from his early years, his participation in the War of Independence, and his becoming the first person in the country. The role of Washington was played by Barry Bostwick. And Patty Duke, who played his wife, was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy . The 1986 sequel continued the story, and in later works Washington also appears in the context of major historical events.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States of America, wrote the Declaration of Independence, was an outstanding scientist, architect and philosopher. He played an important role in the political and cultural development of the country. Nevertheless, his slaveholding legacy is often criticized.

James Ivory’s Jefferson in Paris is not a biographical film, but rather a dramatic motion picture that deals with the personal aspects of the president’s life, including his relationship with an artist and a slave girl. Despite its attempts to delve into Jefferson’s psychology, the film is often criticized for being a very strong simplification of the historical figure as well as a misrepresentation of the facts.

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States, still many Americans consider him the best leader of their country. Abraham fought to abolish slavery and united the states during the Civil War. His tragic death made him a myth, and this myth is often portrayed in movies.

Steven Spielberg’s film, in which Daniel Day-Lewis played the role of Lincoln, presents the president as a man who sought to change society, but does not idealize his image. Spielberg shows Lincoln as an ordinary, sometimes vulnerable politician who overcomes personal and professional challenges. This movie was highly praised by critics and won Day-Lewis an Academy Award .

Franklin Roosevelt

Roosevelt became the 32nd head of the United States of America, known as the architect of the New Deal, aimed at overcoming the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s presidency was also marked by World War II. Despite his severe disability, he left a vivid mark on the history of his country.

The movie Hyde Park on the Hudson covered more of Roosevelt’s romances, especially his relationship with journalist Margaret Suckley. The picture does not pretend to be a complete portrayal of his life, but only touches on one important episode, when Roosevelt receives King George VI of Great Britain in his home before the states entered the war. The movie portrays Roosevelt as a man of dignity and restraint, although he was no stranger to vices.

Harry Truman

The 33rd President of the United States (1945-1953) had to govern at a time of crisis in world politics. Truman succeeded Franklin Roosevelt and continued his economic and social justice policies. The decisive events of his presidency included the end of World War II and the birth of the Cold War. Harry was the man who authorized the use of atomic weapons in the Japanese Islands.

Truman actively supported reforms to improve the lives of citizens, including the development of public housing and combating unemployment.

The theme of Truman’s life was introduced in the 1995 HBO movie Truman. It is an adaptation of David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book. The plot centers on the journey of a simple farmer who found himself in the highest office of the land. In the picture, Gary Sinise perfectly performed the role of Truman, portraying him as a man with a deep inner world. He, despite the difficulties and personal doubts, carried his responsibility to the nation with dignity.

John Kennedy

A very colorful figure in US history is John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. He ruled during the Cold War, this left an indelible mark. Kennedy became a symbol of political renewal and was especially known for his initiative to send Americans to the moon as part of the Apollo program . His life and tragic death have spawned numerous cinematic works.

Kennedy was first shown in the motion picture PT 109 (1963), where he was introduced as a young lieutenant who showed bravery on the battlefields of World War II. It was after his death that more dramatic pictures appeared, such as John F. Kennedy. Shots in Dallas (1991) by Oliver Stone, which investigates his assassination and its consequences for the United States. Stone also emphasized the conspiracy theory surrounding the president’s death, which caused a storm of public debate.

Not overlooked and the Kennedy family, which is told in the series The Kennedy Clan (2011). This eight-part project shows the rule and intrigue of the clan, election turmoil. Especially interesting series about the Cuban Missile Crisis. The series retains elements of melodrama and family drama.

Richard Nixon

The 37th leader’s tenure as president (1969-1974) was marked by both successful foreign policy (e.g., visits to China and the USSR) and the high-profile Watergate scandal that led to his resignation.

The first major film adaptation of Nixon is the movie Nixon (1995), where Anthony Hopkins played this complex and controversial leader. Stone in the movie focused on the psychological portrait of Nixon, presenting him as an ambitious and paranoid personality. 16 years ago came out the movie Frost vs. Nixon, which reflected the famous conversation between the president and TV journalist David Frost. There Nixon admitted that he was involved in a scandal. In this movie, the role of Nixon was played by Frank Langella, and Michael Sheen played Frost.

Ronald Reagan

This is the 40th president of the United States, has also become a cinematic hero. For a former actor, Reagan achieved incredible heights in political activity.

In the movie Reagan (2024), the filmmakers told not only about his political career, but also about his path to the presidency and the events surrounding the end of the Cold War. Reagan was played by David Henry as a young man, with a more mature version played by Dennis Quaid. The movie is based on the book by Paul Kengor. It explores not only Reagan’s presidency, but also his impact on the world political climate.

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, epitomized the embodiment of the American dream. Bill’s father made little money selling used cars.

Clinton managed to achieve the presidency. 8 years in office (1993-2001) were marked by economic prosperity, rising wages and falling unemployment. But even the successes in the economy did not overshadow the uproar with Monica Lewinsky, which involved his 22-year-old intern in the White House. The result was impeachment, although Clinton was acquitted in the Senate. Reputation was much more important.

The film Primary Colors, released in 1998, right after the scandal, is a kind of exposure of the election struggle. In it, the main character, Jack Stanton (the prototype of Bill), played by John Travolta, who does not hide his similarity to Clinton. The role of his wife was played by Emma Thompson. This movie raised questions of morality in politics and showed that even the most deserving candidates go to terrible deeds to succeed in the harsh political plane.

George W. Bush

One of the most controversial figures in American politics. After the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the U.S. responded with a massive fight against terrorists. Bush led the country into war with Afghanistan and Iraq. The president’s reputation was tarnished, but somehow he was able to win the election a second time.

The movie Bush (2008) is a biographical picture describing the life journey of Bush Jr. Stone, who expected to create a witty satire, ended up portraying the figure of Bush as an insecure man seeking to earn the approval of his father, George Bush Sr. The film evokes sympathy for the president rather than condemnation of his decisions.

Barack Obama

The first black leader of the United States of America. During his time in the White House, he made significant achievements, such as health care reform and the elimination of Osama bin Laden. However, military action in other countries drew criticism, especially the intervention in Libya, which Obama himself later called a big mistake.

A cinematic look at his life is represented by two films. Barry (2016) tells the story of Barack Obama’s youth, his experiences and his search for his own identity. The movie focuses on how the Columbia University student, not yet knowing he would become president, faces the challenges of life and love experiences. Southside With You (2016) focuses on Obama’s relationship with his future wife Michelle, showing their first dates full of intellectual and emotional temptations.

Donald Trump

The son of a billionaire, he used his career in real estate to become a media figure and create a cult of personality. His policies have been aimed at returning America to its great past, and tightening immigration policies and fighting globalization have been important aspects of his presidency. Despite his defeat in the 2020 election, Trump continues to be an influential figure.

The movie The Apprentice. The Rise of Trump (2024), directed by Ali Abbasi, highlights Trump’s first steps in business. Here he appears as an aspiring entrepreneur who, thanks to the mentorship of attorney Roy Cohn, begins to win big cases and build his real estate empire. The plot centers on how Trump gradually becomes a man who knows how to play big politics.

Each of these films reflects different aspects of their characters‘ lives, from power struggles to personal tragedies and triumphs. These films give viewers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of American politics and an understanding of what lies behind the success and downfall of some of the most influential people in U.S. history.