Dave (1993) - Gary Ross

April 12, 1992

DAVE

Screenplay by Gary Ross

Synopsis by Brian Aldrich

The President of the United States, BILL MITCHELL, is a selfish, power-mad, psycho who is estranged from his wife ELLEN and is having an affair with his secretary RANDI. Presently, he needs a double to take his place after his speech in Baltimore so he can stay behind and bed Randi. DAVE KOVIC runs an employment temp agency; he is also a perfect double for the President. After the President has a massive stroke while in bed with Randi, BOB ALEXANDER, the power-hungry Chief of Staff, and ALAN REED, a PR man, convince Dave to continue masquerading as the President. Secretly, Bob plans to have NANCE, the V.P., discredited, so that Dave/Bill can replace him with a political stooge of Bob's choice and then restage the President's stroke. Thus, Bob will still have control of the office via his chosen stooge.

Dave goes along with the masquerade, ignorant of Bob's real motives. Bob and Alan teach Dave how to impersonate the President and give him cue cards whenever he has to speak. Dave does a great job. He fools the Cabinet, the Press, and even Ellen (who hates her husband's guts). Dave's easy going, fun loving personality begins to have its affect on the nation. The Press, the people, and even his political foes begin to appreciate him. Ellen becomes furious with him when she discovers he has vetoed a bill that would have funded homeless shelters for children. Dave has his accountant friend MURRAY come help him cut the budget so they can fund the shelters. Ellen is pleased, the country is pleased, but Bob is furious. Ellen reveals to Dave that she knows the truth. He takes her to visit the comatose President. She breaks down; Dave comforts her. At first they are both ready to give up the masquerade, but they decide they can do some good.

Dave calls a press conference and announces his new jobs bill. Bob is furious. Dave fires him. Bob announces that the President and the V.P. are involved in a scandal. Dave goes before Congress and admits to the scandal and clears the V.P. Dave fakes a stroke. The real President dies and the V.P. becomes President. Months later, Ellen shows up at Dave's office. They embrace.

Summary Criticism: Although the characters are well-drawn and the themes are honorable, the story is predictable from the very beginning.

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