Film and Felt

Though fairly pedestrian by cinematic standards, Joseph Mealey’s Bush’s Brain is a workmanlike portrayal of the astonishing influence Karl Rove holds (and judging by John McCain’s campaign tactics, continues to have) in Republican politics, tracing back decades and culminating in his masterminding both of George W. Bush’s Presidential campaigns, not to mention the actual Presidency.  Bush’s Brain probes Rove’s extraordinary intelligence—which, love him or loathe him, is undeniable—and illustrates his uncanny ability to stretch the law just enough to always manage to duck intense scrutiny.  Though this writer despises everything that Rove stands for, both politcally and ethically, it’s difficult to watch his meticulous planning and organizing without a hint of admiration.  There’s a chilling element to Rove’s childhood, displayed in sporadic flashbacks early in the picture—it seems eerily plausible that a few different variables could have put Rove’s scary genius to work as a serial killer, or something else equally demonic…

Bush’s Brain does a good job illustrating the power that Rove holds over the current administration, and the numerous interviews paint a disturbing picture of Rove’s complete disregard for integrity.  Many Republicans voice their opinions, and it’s particularly interesting to see them discuss Rove with a mix of awe and disgust.  Plenty of them have been crossed by Rove, who spares nobody if they’re in the way of his current objective (see his treatment of McCain in the 2000 primaries, which just makes McCain’s embrace of Rovian tactics now all the more repulsive), and contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of principled conservatives who think that Rove has given their entire brand a bad name.  It’s fascinating to observe.

Still, most folks know what a jackass Karl Rove is without a documentary telling them so, and Bush’s Brain lacks any real clout as a film; it’s essentially a punchlist of Karl Rove’s upbringing and immersion into the underworld of sleazy politics.  It’s also fairly one-note; I would have loved to have seen some alternative perspectives on Rove from some real admirerers, of which I imagine there are many.  I expect the book is slightly more substantive and rich, but the movie is definitely worth checking out if you want 85 minutes of Rovian drama.

RATING: pro (-)