Wonderful look at the relationship between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, who shared a room together when both were first elected MPs (in 1983), then became devoted political frenemies. Michael Sheen’s performance as Tony Blair became deservedly famous, mostly because he got to repeat it twice – smiling, jovial, hard working, with a touch of the Uriah Heeps… you’re never sure if he’s sincere or full of it, but it’s clear he was greatly distrusted by his own party. A bit more of a glimpse of his home life and look at his religious convictions (he’s a born again) might have helped. David Morrisey – an actor I was unfamiliar with although he’s done a lot of work on British TV – is excellent as the glowering, gruff Brown, who is depicted here as being more principled and genuine as Blair, holding off on looking for votes after John Smith’s death whereas Blair went for it… but then is that such a crime? Maybe Blair had the ticker for the top job in a way Brown didn’t. Brown certainly doesn’t put up much of a fight in the famous lunch – he gives in straight away, and doesn’t even get an iron clad promise from Blair that he’ll step down after two elections. (Keating got it in writing from Hawke but it didn’t help him either). Dexter Fletcher is very good as a politico although the third biggest part really goes to a gay Labor minister.
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