Overview
The story of an idealist's rise to power in the world of Louisiana politics and the corruption that leads to his ultimate downfall. Based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Robert Penn Warren, loosely based on the story of real-life politician Huey Long.
MovieMagicScore Overview
Auto-generatedDirected by Steven Zaillian, this 2006 political drama-thriller charts the rise of an idealistic Louisiana politician whose hunger for power gradually curdles into corruption and his eventual undoing. Adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it probes populism, ambition, and the moral compromises of public life. Brooding and dialogue-heavy, the film favors character study and atmosphere over momentum, tracing how conviction can be eroded by influence. It suits viewers interested in literary political dramas about power and its costs. Its MagicMovieScore is 5.8.
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Trailer
Top Cast
Sean Penn
Willie Stark
Jude Law
Jack Burden
Anthony Hopkins
Judge Irwin
Kate Winslet
Anne Stanton
Mark Ruffalo
Adam Stanton
Patricia Clarkson
Sadie Burke
James Gandolfini
Tiny Duffy
Jackie Earle Haley
Roderick "Sugar Boy" Ellis
335 ratings. The score is reasonably stable but could shift up to 0.13 as more ratings come in.
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Movie Info
Release Date
September 10, 2006
Runtime
2h 5m
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Director