Our Brand Is Crisis

Originally a vehicle for George Clooney, this fictionalised adaptation of Rachel Boynton's 2005 documentary would have completed an interesting political trilogy after Goodnight, and Good Luck. and The Ides of March. Featuring Sandra Bullock, it is perhaps a little lighter but no less provocative with the star in fine form as notorious US spin doctor "Calamity" Jane Bodine, who has been lured out of retirement to help a totalitarian right-wing politician win the 2002 elections in Bolivia. Working for the opposition is Bodine's long-time sparring partner Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton), who knows all her tricks - and secrets too. A near-slapstick game of one-upmanship ensues, but the rich black comedy doesn't distract from the human issues, a balance carefully kept by director David Gordon Green, straying from his indie turf. Bullock's usual audience might be turned off by her character's dark cynicism, but as meaty political satire this stands tall in a near-empty field.