Let's talk about the politics first, then the art. It was touched on, but I don't think strongly enough, that the Party of Slavery-the Democrats, stood in LBJ's way. He had to make deals with the Republicans in order to get the Civil Rights Bill and the Voting Rights Bill through. Johnson acted very much like a King and the American people were his subjects, and the government his Court. He was a massive ego who thought it was all about him, all the time, all the way. He was a nasty SOB. This film demonstrates just how far as a nation we have come. We elected a Black POTUS twice. It's no longer a crime to be Gay.
As for the art, first of all, the hair and make-up were just extraordinary. Brian Cranston does not naturally look like Johnson, nor does Melissa Leo look like Lady Bird. Bo Foxworth was a dead ringer for McNamara. Cranston again proves he is one of the best character actors working. He embodies LBJ. My only quibble was that Cranston has a deeper voice than LBJ. Leo was excellent as the ever-supportive Bird. However, I didn't think Anthony Mackie captured MLK's charisma and magnetism at all. Someday someone will figure out how to play J. Edgar Hoover without the over-the-top sinister affect, but Stephen Root is not that someone.
As for the art, first of all, the hair and make-up were just extraordinary. Brian Cranston does not naturally look like Johnson, nor does Melissa Leo look like Lady Bird. Bo Foxworth was a dead ringer for McNamara. Cranston again proves he is one of the best character actors working. He embodies LBJ. My only quibble was that Cranston has a deeper voice than LBJ. Leo was excellent as the ever-supportive Bird. However, I didn't think Anthony Mackie captured MLK's charisma and magnetism at all. Someday someone will figure out how to play J. Edgar Hoover without the over-the-top sinister affect, but Stephen Root is not that someone.