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The time has come once again for residents of the United States of America to cast their votes and decide who will either be elected or re-elected for a variety of government positions, the most notable being the nation’s highest authority, the President of the United States. This year, the race is between incumbent president Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. As is typical for every election cycle, opinions on both candidates range from staggering support to overwhelming opposition, and such polarizing opinions have divided people across the country. It’s time like these where one can’t help but look to the world of fiction to ease one’s nerves; if reality can’t provide a solid enough image of an ideal president, then perhaps fiction can do a much better job of doing so. Sure enough, there have been plenty of presidential figures that film has given us that, while not existing in reality, still demonstrate the values that most look for in an ideal leader. Here are some of the ones that we appreciate the most:
President Douglass Dilman, The Man (1972) – over thirty-five years before Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, making him the first person of color to win the presidency, James Earl Jones shined on the big screen as a hypothetical example of what a nation led by a nonwhite figure might look like. The events surrounding Dilman’s presidency are a bit unusual – he was not elected, but rather next in line after a series of assassinations and refusals to take up the job – so there’s a lot for the newly appointed leader to contend with, especially when he’s being pushed and pulled in varying directions. Still, Dilman recognizes the weight of his responsibilities, and does everything he can to prove he is more than worthy of his new title.
President Thomas J. Whitmore, Independence Day (1996) – it’s hard to imagine the United States, or the rest of the world for that matter, facing a crisis as big and dangerous as a global invasion by violent extraterrestrial life-forms. No one would envy any leader having to guide their nation through such a calamity, but while some may handle the situation poorly, Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, is no such person. As someone familiar with the concept of war, having previously served as a fighter pilot/veteran of the Gulf War, Whitmore views the invasion as an act of war on the planet Earth, and with the help of numerous scientists and military personnel, he is able to to take on the aliens and give a new meaning to the holiday Independence Day.
President James Marshall, Air Force One (1997) – actor Harrison Ford has already proven himself to be an icon of American heroism with roles like Indiana Jones and Han Solo of the Star Wars franchise. Seeing him take on the role of President of the United States is not the least bit surprising, nor is it to see him use his experience as an action star in a role that, in theory, shouldn’t rely too heavily on physical activity. Still, given the context of the film – Russian terrorists have taken over the presidential plane – there’s no other choice than for the president to step up and fight to save the people aboard. Fortunately, in spite of all that’s working against him, President Marshall is able to live up to the task.
President Jimmy Dale, Mars Attacks! (2000) – sometimes it’s the thought that counts when it comes to judging the actions of an individual, and that’s certainly the case for this president, played to perfection by Jack Nicholson. When Martians invade the planet Earth (in a situation not too dissimilar to President Whitmore’s), Dale attempts a diplomatic approach, hoping to appeal to the aliens’ better nature and form a peaceful union between the two planets’ dominant life-forms. He appears to succeed at first – only to be immediately killed by a handshake from the deceptive Martian leader. Dale’s attempts at heroism may have ended in complete and utter failure, but one can’t help but appreciate his efforts.
President Mays Gilliam, Head of State (2003) – if the idea of Chris Rock being President of the United States seems ridiculous, that’s the point. In the context of the film, Rock’s character is selected as a last-minute replacement for the suddenly deceased Democratic nominee in a race that’s believed to be a lost cause. Having little experience as a politician, there’s little expectation for this “nobody” to make much of an impact, but as a representation of the African-American population, Gilliam accepts the responsibility given to him and does everything he can to pass himself off as a viable candidate. His methods are questionable – dubbing a video of Osama bin Laden is certainly pushing it – but his beliefs and passion are certainly not.
President Hathaway, Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) – considering that actor/comedian Stephen Colbert has incorporated a substantial amount of political themes into his work, it’s no surprise that many have joked about the possibility of him actually being a prominent political figure. His role in this animated sci-fi comedy takes this joke to its most logical extreme – making him the president who (in what appears to be a trend for fictional presidents) must contend with the threat of an alien invasion. Though his heart and ambitions are in the right place, his brains seem to be a bit lacking, as evidenced by his failed efforts to make peaceful contact via keyboard solo. Still, Hathaway proves to be just comedic and competent enough to avoid the world’s end.
President Charlotte Field, Long Shot (2019) – the United States has yet to see its first female president (despite coming so close in 2016), but until that day comes, we’ll have to settle for Charlize Theron’s Secretary of State turned presidential candidate. Field’s journey to the presidency is far from easy, especially when it comes to her complicated professional/romantic relationship with her speechwriter Fred (played by Seth Rogen), but it’s supposed weakness that ultimately proves to be a major advantage, and it’s with his support that Field is able to overcome the temptations and threats that surround her campaign and become the nation’s first female president, an event that will hopefully play out in real life much sooner than later.
