Conflicts That Arise from Particular Ways of Seeing the World Are Made Evident Through the Shaping of Texts-Barry Levinson’s Film “Wag the Dog” and Michael Moore’s Documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11”
Barry Levinson is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter He is best known for his comedies and dramas set in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, including such classics as Diner, Tin Men, and Rain Man. He is also the director behind some of the most acclaimed films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Good Morning, Vietnam, The Natural, and Bugsy.
One of Levinson's most popular and successful works is Diner, released in 1982. The story follows a group of young men who meet at the local diner every night and discuss everything from life and love to sports, music, and the status quo. The film is a bittersweet comedy, dealing with themes of friendship, love, and growing up in a small town. Levinson also wrote and directed the sequel, Diner II.
Another classic from Levinson is Tin Men, released in 1987. In it, two rival aluminum siding salesmen take on each other in a heated battle of wits, not just to make money, but to prove who is the better man. The film is a satire of American commercialism and provides a heartfelt look at the human cost of greed and ambition.
Good Morning, Vietnam, released in 1987, was one of Levinson's most popular films. The story follows an irreverent Army radio DJ, Adrian Crane (played by Robin Williams) as he is sent to Vietnam and uses his radio show to try to lift the spirits of the American soldiers there. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Picture.
The Natural, released in 1984, is another masterpiece from Levinson. Starring Robert Redford, the film follows an aging baseball player, Roy Hobbs, who comes out of retirement to join the major leagues and help his team win the pennant. The film is set against the backdrop of the changing attitudes of professional sports in America and has become a cult classic.
Lastly, Bugsy, released in 1991, was Levinson's most ambitious film. Starring Warren Beatty, the film follows gangster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel as he rises to power in Las Vegas and attempts to create a gambling empire. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, and is considered one of the best gangster movies ever made.
These are just a few of the signature Levinson works. He has also directed such acclaimed films as Avalon, Disclosure, and Sleepers, proving himself to be one of the most respected directors working today. Levinson continues to produce, direct, and write films, earning critical and commercial acclaim wherever he goes.