Game Change

About Game Change

"Game Change" is a 2012 American political drama television film based on events of the 2008 United States presidential election campaign of John McCain, which aired on HBO. It is based on the 2010 book "Game Change" by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin. The film dives deep into the inner workings of the campaign, particularly focusing on the surprise pick of Sarah Palin for vice president.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Jay Roach, produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, and written by Danny Strong, all of whom had previously collaborated on HBO's film "Recount". The production started filming in May 2011, and was released in March 2012.

Actors

• Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin: Moore's portrayal of Palin was hailed as precise and nuanced, capturing Palin's accent, mannerisms, and style.
• Woody Harrelson as Steve Schmidt: Harrelson played the role of McCain's senior campaign strategist and advisor. He brilliantly portrayed the character's struggle to balance his personal belief and professional responsibility.
• Ed Harris as John McCain: Harris convincingly portrayed the senior Arizona Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee with dignity and depth.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Julianne Moore spent two months studying Sarah Palin in order to get into character.
• The film was shot in Maryland to emulate Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Alaska.
• Real footage from the actual campaign is interspersed throughout the film.

Awards

"Game Change" was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards. It won five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Television Movie, Julianne Moore's lead actress performance, Jay Roach's direction, and Danny Strong's writing. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film, and Julianne Moore also received a Golden Globe for her performance.

Quotes

• "I so don't want to go back to Alaska." - Sarah Palin (played by Julianne Moore)
• "You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska." - Sarah Palin (played by Julianne Moore)
• "We're not gonna win this thing, are we?" - John McCain (played by Ed Harris)

Music, Soundtrack

• Original score composed by Theodore Shapiro.
• "Rhythm of My Heart" by Rod Stewart features in the film.
• "Game Change (End Credits)" is one of the standout pieces from the film's score.