Head of State(2003 film)

Head of State
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Chris Rock
Written by	Chris Rock Ali LeRoi
Produced by	Michael Rotenberg Chris Rock Ali LeRoi
Starring	Chris Rock Bernie Mac Dylan Baker Nick Searcy Robin Givens Lynn Whitfield Tamala Jones James Rebhorn
Cinematography	Donald E. Thorin
Edited by	Stephen A. Rotter
Music by	Marcus Miller DJ Quik
Production company	3 Arts Entertainment
Distributed by	DreamWorks Pictures
Release date	March 28, 2003(2003-03-28)
Running time	95 minutes
Country	United States
Budget	$35 million
Box office	$38.6 million

Head of Stateis a 2003 American politicalcomedy filmdirected, written by, produced by and starringChris Rockand co-starringBernie Mac.It marked thedirectorial debutof Rock, who had previously worked as a writer, producer, and actor.

The plot follows a minor politician who unexpectedly becomesthe President of the United States.The title refers to one of the President's functions as the Americanhead of state.

Critical reviews were mixed to negative, and the film was a box office disappointment. This was the last film by cinematographerDonald E. Thorin.

Plot

Mays Gilliam is thealdermanfor the 9th Ward inWashington, D.C.After learning he is likely to lose his job and getting dumped by his girlfriend, Kim, Gilliam is unexpectedly chosen as theDemocratic Partycandidatefor the 2004 presidential election after his party's original presidential and vice-presidential nominees die in a plane crash and he is lauded as a hero for saving a woman from an explosion. Assuming the election was already lost to incumbentRepublicanvice-president Brian Lewis, the Democrats decided to pick a likable but unwinnable minority candidate to improve their chances in the 2008 presidential election.

At first, Gilliam feels he will not be able to succeed as president because he would be representing the entire African-American populace, and does not want to do anything to damage his reputation. However, Gilliam begins to rise in the polls after his brother Mitch persuades him to speak out for what he believes in. He ditches the bland, boring, and uncontroversial speeches prepared for him and begins to talk honestly about major issues such as welfare, healthcare, income inequality, and society overall. Mays even finds time to romance Lisa Clark, a gas station attendant he crosses paths with, and who has been a huge supporter of Mays.

After Lewis runs a series of attack ads including one saying Gilliam supports cancer, Gilliam begins to fight back using what he claimed was "kissing" his opponent (taken fromBugs Bunny–Elmer Fuddcartoons). A part of this strategy includes dubbing a videotape ofOsama bin Ladensaying he hates America but loves Brian Lewis. This strategy gains Gilliam even more points in the polls.

As election day draws closer, Gilliam eventually learns the reason why he was chosen as the party candidate, fires some disloyal campaign operatives (despite them having reconciled with him afterwards), andchooses his brother as his running mate.He later has a debate with his opponent in which he manages to win the crowd over by speaking truth about American life. Finally, Gilliam ends up winning the presidency, and proposes to Lisa by saying he wants to make her hisFirst Lady.

Cast

• Chris Rockas Mays Gilliam, alderman, reluctant presidential candidate and later President of the United States.
• Bernie Macas Mitch Gilliam, elder brother of Mays, vice presidential candidate and later Vice President of the United States.
• Dylan Bakeras Martin Geller
• Nick Searcyas Brian Lewis, incumbent Vice President of the United States and presidential candidate.
• Lynn Whitfieldas Debra Lassiter
• Robin Givensas Kim, the psychotic ex-girlfriend of Mays who tries to win him back after his nomination but is taken away by security.
• Tamala Jonesas Lisa Clark, Lots O'Gas gas station attendant and later First Lady of the United States
• James Rebhornas Senator Bill Arnot
• Keith Davidas Bernard Cooper
• Jude Ciccolellaas Mr. Earl, security director
• Stephanie Marchas Nicollette "Nikki" White, executive director of Internal Liaison
• Jeremy Borashas Wrestling announcer
• Ron Killingsas himself
• Nate Doggas himself
• Tracy Morganas Meat Hustler
• Mario Joyneras Lotto Man
• Ron Harrisas Wrestler (uncredited)
• Jeff Jarrettas himself
• B. G. Jamesas himself

Production

Rock said inHBO First Lookthat he got the idea from the 1984 Democratic presidential nomineeWalter Mondale,who choseGeraldine Ferraro—a woman—as his running mate.The Democrats knew they had little chance of defeatingRonald Reagan,but selected Ferraro in hopes of gaining female support.

Theceremonial first pitchscene was filmed prior to aBaltimore Orioles–Toronto Blue Jaysgame atCamden Yardson August 24, 2002.

Boston comedian and actorJimmy Tinglehas the role of a talk show host, in which he interviews Bernie Mac’s character Mitch.

Part of the presidential debate is a verbatim repeat of Monty Python'sArgument Clinic.

In one scene, Gilliam quotes "The Roof Is on Fire"byRock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three.

According to the DVD audio commentary, the scene where Gilliam sings "Deep in the Heart of Texas"is a reference toPee-wee's Big Adventure,wherePee-Wee Hermandoes the same thing.

Reception

Head of Statereceived generally negative reviews from critics. OnRotten Tomatoes,the film maintains a score of 30% approval rating from 120 critics, with the critical consensus reading, "Head of Statesquanders its potentially ripe premise with watered-down satire and formulaic gags. "OnMetacritic,the film maintains a score of 44/100, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

Roger Ebert,writing forChicago Sun-Times,gave the film 3/4 stars, writing that it's "an imperfect movie, but not a boring one and not lacking in intelligence."

External links

• Head of StateatIMDb
• Head of StateatAllMovie
• Head of StateatBox Office Mojo
• Head of StateatRotten Tomatoes