When 35 Became 36

Since everybody refers to Trump simply as 45, I thought I would extend the numbering back to when John F. Kennedy was replaced by Lyndon Johnson.  That transition, numeric or otherwise, provides the main plot points of "LBJ," a new film by Rob Reiner.   I haven't seen Rob in his Dodger season seats for about a year and a half now.  Ah, so this is what he's been up to.

Oddly, the director prefaces this film's subject as somebody he hated back in the day.  After all, Johnson is the guy that threw us full bore into the Vietnam catastrophe and Rob, of course, was a peace loving protester in the late 60s. But, this movie covers very little of that.   Like last year's "Jackie," "LBJ" focuses mostly on the days between the assassination in Dallas to the new President's first speech to a joint session of Congress several days later.   And, also like "Jackie," this film takes you through a stylistic, yet imperfect journey.  

Not to say that the attention to detail is not spot on in "LBJ."   Kudos to the production designer in charge of setting the mood and the locations.   Not to say that the acting isn't great.   Woody Harrelson really captures Lyndon Johnson and the others are also no slouches.   Particular attention should be paid to Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy, Jeffrey Donovan as JFK, and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lady Bird.  Indeed, Donovan's JFK might be one of the best portrayals of that President on screen as it never falls into complete impersonation.

Oh, "LBJ" held my interest and its running time is nice and tight for a change.  But still, as it played out, I felt it was oddly superficial and never really delved into the inner workings of it all.  It came off more as a documentary and, frankly, I would probably have liked to see a documentary in the first place.  No new real ground was broken for somebody like me who has sucked in a lot of 20th century Presidential history.  It was intriguing to see the LBJ-RFK feud played out on the big screen, but there was no new information imparted. And, to me, they left out one scene I really would have liked to see.   It is well researched that, when Air Force One arrived back in Washington with JFK's body, RFK literally knocked over LBJ as he boarded the plane in his hurry to reach Jackie.  I missed that and it was a dramatic moment that could have enhanced the film.

Rob Reiner is making the rounds with this movie and did a Q and A at the screening I attended.   That tells me this is going to be a hard sell during the awards nomination season.   Especially if people like me find it as ultimately unsatisfying.

I liked it.   But I didn't love it.   And therein lies the issue.

LEN'S RATING:  For the authenticity alone, three stars.  Overall, two-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Beer bratwurst.