The Special Relationship [M]

Prime Minister Tony Blair, for much of his career in office, has been waiting in the wings of the world arena. But now it is his turn to stand confidently in the spotlight as he develops a “special relationship” with American President Bill Clinton. But, although Blair has supported Clinton during a great sex scandal, their relationship is put under pressure when “unspeakable horrors” strike in Kosovo, and it falls upon Tony to fight strength with strength. 

The third part in the Tony Blair trilogy following The Deal and The Queen, The Special Relationship is a wonderful film that makes everything bigger and all the more dramatic, prompting far more emotional, empowering, and passionate performances from all those involved. Completely captivating from start to finish, this is a wonderful way to end a trilogy. 

Prime Minister Tony Blair, for much of his career in office, has been waiting in the wings of the world arena. But now it is his turn to stand confidently in the spotlight as he develops a “special relationship” with American President Bill Clinton. But, although Blair has supported Clinton during a great sex scandal, their relationship is put under pressure as “unspeakable horrors” strike in Kosovo and it falls upon Tony to fight strength with strength. 

The by-line on the front cover for this film is “the only thing more personal than friendship… is politics” and that really gives you a good insight into how things will turn out in this film. 

Just as in The Deal and The Queen, authentic footage and news stories and interviews are used, but I think what made this movie the most memorable of the three was the performances from its leads and its general atmosphere. 

Michael Sheen is back again as Blair, but this time he really came into his own and we see him go through this amazing transformation; beginning the film as being enamoured with Clinton and very eager to please and impress him, and then slowly shifting into a headstrong and very passionate hero of the hour. His performance was equal to that of David Morrissey in The Deal, and was delivered with a great amount of passion, power, frustration, and heart. I was completely blown away by Michael’s performance. 

Dennis Quaid stars as Bill Clinton and man he did the part incredibly well. From the first time you meet him, you can instantly see how easy it is to like him and want to impress him. But what I liked particularly was that he didn’t give anything away. For much of the beginning of the film, you have Tony Blair openly professing his respect and regard for Bill, but Clinton proves much harder to read. He smiles and flatters and compliments, but that’s not to say that he reveres Tony in the same respect. I have to say the chemistry between the two of them was absolutely brilliant and completely mesmerising. 

Starring Adam Godley, Demetri Goritsas, Marc Rioufol, Helen McCrory, and Hope Davis, The Special Relationship was a brilliant end to a trilogy and was filled with drama, support, friendship, morality, and unwaveringly passionate performances. I loved it, just loved it!