Casino Jack and the United States of Money

In this time of the economy and new laws, it was appropriate to have a documentary about how one man understood the power of Congress.  That man was Jack Abramoff, who swindled numerous people out of $45 million, and had no real goals to make the world better, only just be the No.1 lobbyist.

Directed by Alex Gibney, this portrait of the Washington lobbyist shows how he went from working his way up in the world of politics, used greed and corruption by bribing, Russian spies, Miami mobs and Chinese factories, before getting caught and sent to prison.  As the film started I felt like I was watching a 20/20 show, but as the clips were put together so well, it was fun to see a man who audiences will love to hate.  Normally politics isn’t that much of an interest of mine, but this film made it a bit more fun with its Wall Street and Good Fellas feel about it.

After discussing his political roots in the College Republicans, who believed in free markets and the evils of Communism, we see Jack standing up to Congress in the 1980s when he visits Angola and offends President Regan.  It isn’t long before he has annoyed other people, and in 1994 when a rival lobbyist starts getting angry about Jack they call The Washington Post.  When all is revealed in court Jack Abragnoff is sentenced to four years in prison, and other lobbyists are also jailed for their cooperation in his bribes.

The film shows how someone with Abramoff’s political determination can get anything they want, no matter what the legality or the cause.  Tom DeLay is shown as one of the main influences with his approach to political fundraising via political action committees.

When discussing how Jack was planning on building his own lobbying empire, one observer reveals that Jack was an expert at sweet-talking to people in order to get what he wanted.  There are several interviews with people who knew him, although the director was prevented from filming Jack during visiting him in prison.  It was interesting when afterwards the producer/editor Maryse Alberti discussed the film, which took three years to make and had a budget of $1.2 million, which was funded thru the Magnolia Theatre and other fundraisers.  She said, “By reforming the campaign and getting public financing are the only ways to improve Washington, as it’s a whole waste of time and money.”

With its topic being of a serious matter, the film is the right amount of length, and doesn’t drag on too long.  I thought that this film was something different to see, and at the right time, and it will be interesting to see how it does when it goes toNew York and a few other cities, before finally being shown on television.  Although Alex Gibney uses more narrative, I was recommend this film if your interests include politics and seeing how one person is finally brought to justice.

Casino Jack and the United States of Money • Dolby® Digital surround sound in select theatres • Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 • Running Time: 120 minutes • MPAA Rating: R for some language. • Distributed by Magnolia Pictures

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