Our Brand Is Crisis

Our Brand Is Crisis is based on the documentary by Rachel Boynton, which outlined the American political campaign marketing tactics employed in the real-life 2002 Bolivian presidential election. A Bolivian presidential candidate failing badly in the polls enlists the firepower of an elite American management team, led by the deeply damaged but still brilliant strategist "Calamity" Jane Bodine (Bullock). In self-imposed retirement following a scandal that earned her nickname and rocked her to her core, Jane is coaxed back into the game for the chance to beat her professional nemesis, the loathsome Pat Candy (Thornton), now coaching the opposition. But as Candy zeroes in on every vulnerability—both on and off the campaign trail—Jane is plunged into a personal crisis as intense as the one her team exploits nationally to boost their numbers. Dramatic, rapid-fire, and laced with satire, the story reveals the cynical machinations and private battles of world-class political consultants for whom nothing is sacred and winning is all that matters. (Gary Reber)

The 1.78:1 1080p AVC picture is a beautifully colorful picture with nicely saturated hues that exhibit richness and warmth, yet retains a natural presence. Colors pop throughout. The scene throughout a mountainous forest is richly saturated in a canopy of earthy greens. Fleshtones are healthily hued. Contrast is well balanced with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is often excellent, with fine detail revealed in facial features, hair, clothing, and object textures. This is an engaging visual experience with a bold color palette that pops. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is essentially conventionally produced with a frontal focus for all sound elements except for the music score. The music is vibrant and extends aggressively to the surrounds. The music is dynamic sounding and often rhythmic. At times crowd reactions fill the soundfield, which heightens campaign excitement. The ending scene of a riot-torn city is dynamic sounding, with teargas canisters and other mayhem sound effects energizing the scene. Bass is solid, with a natural presence. Atmospherics, such as the sounds of a campaign bus roaming the county also provide surround envelopment. Dialogue is intelligible throughout, with generally good spatial integration. Overall, this is an effective soundtrack that nicely complements and enlivens the storytelling. (Gary Reber)