Television/Film Review: Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story (2003)

Few public personalities have fallen from grace in past two decades like Rudy Giualiani, former mayor of New York City, whose past achievements are currently overshadowed by his controversial role in failed attempt to overturn results of 2020 US Presidential election. This made Giuliani one of the most hated public figures, at least if the current US political and cultural establishment is concerned, and it is highly unlikely that Giuliani could be honoured by something like monument. Until those circumstances change, Rudy: Rudy Giuliani Story, 2003 television biopic directed by Robert Dornhelm, would have to do.

The film is based on Rudy!: An Investigative Biography of Rudolph Giuliani, 2001 book by investigative reporter Wayne Barrett. The plot begins on the morning of September 11th 2001, when Rudy Giuliani (played by James Woods), New York City mayor who is serving last months of his second and final terms, doesn’t expect anything extraordinary to happen. While being driven to work, he begins to remembers most important events in his life starting with mid 1980s when he was federal attorney and made him name successfully fighting the previously untouchable Mafia. While his first attempt to exploit his fame by running for mayor in 1989 fails, four years later he succeeds and begins to transform New York City into safer and more orderly place. His two terms in office aren’t without controversies like racial profiling and those created by his messy private life, that include marriage with television reporter Donna Hannover (played by Penelope Ann Miller), his notoriously bad temper and marital infidelities. But all those challenges are dwarfed by gargantuan task Giulaini would have to take on the fateful day when his city becomes target of unimaginably deadly and destructive terrorist attack.

If Rudy looks hagiographic, it is due to being made in time when Giuliani enjoyed zenith of his popularity, being called “America’s mayor” and having earned grudging respect even by his political enemies over the way he handled 9/11 and its aftermath. This, however, doesn’t mean that it is a good film. James Woods, whose right-wing views correspond political beliefs of his character, plays Giuliani with gusto, but his great talent can’t compensate for poor script Stanley Weiser and uninspired direction by Robert Dornhelm. There is too much emphasis on events from Giuliani’s past and the events of 9/11 are almost like an afterthought, with combination of live action and stock footage giving away low budget of Rudy. Penelope Ann Miller, one of the most charming and talented actress, is, on the other hand, wasted in the role of First Lady of New York City. Despite film’s shortcomings, many critics in USA were still deeply affected by 9/11 and in awe of Giuliani, so Rudy had decent reviews and even won some awards before sinking into oblivion. Today’s viewers, at least those patient enough to endure two hours of running time, will see it less than a film and more of a curiosity, a strange window into not so distant past that looks so alien to the world today.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

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