Goldwater (2024 film)

Goldwater, alternatively titled Goldwater: The Conscience of a Conservative, is a 2024 American biographical drama film depicting the life of Barry Goldwater, an influential American politician who served as Arizona's on-and-off U.S. Senator from 1953 to 1987 and famously ran for the presidency in 1964. The film features a large cast of characters, including (but not limited to) Barry Goldwater, Margaret Johnson Goldwater, William E. Miller, William F. Buckley Jr., George Wallace, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The film, which released on 26th anniversary of Goldwater's passing, received praise from both critics and audiences alike for its depiction of Goldwater and related historical figures. It has been widely noted how the depiction is faithful and, even if not an exact replication, historically accurate. The film glorifies Goldwater's successes, whilst also also critiquing his faults.
== Cast of characters ==
=== Main characters ===
* Bryan Cranston as Barry Goldwater: The central figure of the film, a U.S. Senator from Arizona whose staunch conservatism and unwavering principles drive the narrative. A rugged individualist, Goldwater struggles with the balance between his ideals and the demands of political life.
* Laura Linney as Margaret Johnson Goldwater: Barry's supportive yet independent wife. Margaret provides insight into Barry's personal life, offering a counterbalance to his public persona. Her perspective reveals the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of political ideals.
* John Slattery as William E. Miller: Goldwater's running mate in the 1964 presidential election. A New York Congressman with a sharp wit, Miller's more moderate views contrast with Goldwater's hardline stances, highlighting the tensions within their campaign.
* Matthew Rhys as William F. Buckley Jr.: Influential conservative intellectual and founder of National Review. Buckley plays a crucial role in shaping and supporting Goldwater's political philosophy, though he also embodies the broader ideological tensions within the conservative movement.
* Sam Rockwell as George Wallace: The segregationist governor of Alabama who ran as a third-party candidate in the 1968 presidential election. Wallace represents the extreme right-wing populism that Goldwater must navigate and occasionally distance himself from.
* Michael Shannon as Richard Nixon: A political ally and later, a rival, Nixon is a complex figure who contrasts with Goldwater's straightforward conservatism. Nixon’s pragmatic and often secretive approach to politics highlights the differing strategies within the Republican Party.
* Jeff Bridges as Dwight D. Eisenhower: Former president and a towering figure in the Republican Party. Eisenhower's moderate Republicanism and pragmatic leadership style contrast sharply with Goldwater’s ideological purism, creating tension between the two men.
=== Supporting characters ===
* Adam Driver as Barry Goldwater Jr.: Barry's son, who follows in his father’s footsteps by entering politics. His relationship with his father offers a more intimate look at Goldwater's influence and the challenges of living up to his legacy.
* Kyle Chandler as Nelson Rockefeller: The liberal Republican governor of New York and a key rival within the party. Rockefeller's opposition to Goldwater's nomination in 1964 embodies the ideological divide within the Republican Party.
* Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan: A rising star in the conservative movement, Reagan is inspired by Goldwater and eventually carries forward his political ideals. Reagan's evolution from Goldwater supporter to president underscores Goldwater's lasting influence on the party.
* Liam Neeson as Baron M. Goldwater: Barry's father, whose rugged individualism and entrepreneurial spirit deeply influence Barry's conservative beliefs. His presence is felt through flashbacks that explore the origins of Goldwater's philosophy.
* Allison Janney as Lady Bird Johnson: The First Lady during Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Lady Bird's charm and influence during the 1964 campaign provide a softer counterpoint to the political battles between her husband and Goldwater.
* Stanley Tucci as Harry V. Jaffa: A political philosopher and speechwriter, Jaffa is best known for crafting Goldwater's famous line, "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice." His intellectual influence is crucial to the development of Goldwater's rhetoric.
* Woody Harrelson as Paul Fannin: Arizona governor and close ally of Goldwater, Fannin represents the local support base that propels Goldwater's national career. Their relationship highlights the regional roots of Goldwater's political identity.
* James McAvoy as Robert F. Kennedy: Senator and key figure in the Democratic Party, Kennedy's progressive vision is in stark contrast to Goldwater's conservatism. His presence in the film underscores the broader political and social debates of the 1960s.
* J. K. Simmons as Strom Thurmond: Senator from South Carolina and a symbol of the Southern conservative movement. Thurmond's endorsement of Goldwater reflects the alignment of Southern conservatives with Goldwater's brand of politics.
* Paul Dano as Tommy Everett: A fictional composite character representing Goldwater's early influences and friendships. Everett helps illustrate the personal experiences that shaped Goldwater's worldview.
* David Strathairn as Ron Paul: A young congressman and libertarian thinker who looks up to Barry Goldwater as a philosophical mentor. His dedication to Goldwater's ideals reflects the lasting impact of Goldwater's political philosophy on future generations