Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7747 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-05-19
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 75 minutes

Synopsis
From the writer/director team behind 2006's Oscar favourite THE QUEEN, this made-for-TV political drama almost serves as its prequel. Based partly on James Naughtie's book THE RIVALS: THE INTIMATE STORY OF A POLITICAL MARRIAGE, THE DEAL chronicles the early career of Tony Blair, when, as a Member of Parliament, he supposedly struck a deal with colleague Gordon Brown to obtain leadership of the Labour party, agreeing to step down as Prime Minister so Brown could take his place. Michael Sheen displays an uncanny knack for understated mimicry in his portrayal of Blair--a role he would later reprise in THE QUEEN--while David Morrissey (STATE OF PLAY) is equally adept as Brown. The drama has been rather sensationally described as 'a love story between Blair and Brown', a reference to the film's depiction of a once close friendship descending into a tense, sometimes fractious working relationship. With epic Shakespearean themes of power struggle and betrayal, THE DEAL succeeds in putting a human face on a very private episode of British political history.

Customer Reviews

Expertly Done
I have just watched this film tonight and I found it fascinating. This is from the writer and director of `The Queen' and there are strong parallels between the two films, particularly as Michael Sheen once again provides an outstanding portrayal of Tony Blair.

The film chronicles the relationship between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair from when they became MPs to when Tony Blair took charge of the Labour party. British politics is often seen as drab and grey, so it is to the writer/directors credit that this film is fast-paced, gripping and satisfyingly entertaining. It stands up well to political films with much flashier subject matter, like Bill Clinton's infidelities during his quest for the Democratic nomination (Primary Colours) or the rollercoaster Presidency of Richard Nixon (Oliver Stone's `Nixon').

A special mention must also go to the two lead actors. It must be difficult to play two real life characters that the audience already know so well, but David Morrissey and Michael Sheen do a fantastic job. You quickly believe that you are behind the scenes with Brown and Blair.

Labour strife !
David Morrisey is so plausible as Gordon Brown it is astonishing ! Michael Sheen is truly a great character actor who can play David Frost , Kenneth Williams , Tony Blair and now Brian Clough ! He plays Blair to perfection ! It is the compelling tale of how Blair and Brown went from being office sharing buddies to rivals in Westminster's long running feud AKA soap opera. It is interesting to see the UK's political history from 1983 ( when they both entered Parliament ) to 1994 ( when the deal was done so to speak) from a Labour Party perspective. The writers have it pretty much spot on and when I was watching it I must admit that the time flew by! I really enjoyed it ! The other cast members do a fine job and the real -life footage helps remind us that it is a factual drama. Thanks to the superior quality of the editing it flows superbly !

Amazon are selling it at a very reasonable price so if this kind of subject matter is your cup of tea then buying it from that fine on-line retailer is a good idea. Don't delay - buy it from Amazon today !