About Recount (HBO)

Recount is a 2008 television movie about the 2000 United States presidential election. The political drama explores the weeks after the election, focusing on the controversial recount in Florida. It presents a detailed look at the myriad issues surrounding the election and recounts events from the perspectives of various characters involved.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by HBO Films and directed by Jay Roach. The screenplay was written by Danny Strong with Sydney Pollack serving as an executive producer. Despite the fact that the film is based on real events, it has been termed as a "historic fiction" as some characters and events are composite or invented for narrative purposes.

Actors

• Kevin Spacey as Ron Klain: Spacey excellently plays the role of Al Gore's former chief of staff who is in charge of the recount operation in Florida.
• Bob Balaban as Ben Ginsberg: He portrays George W. Bush's campaign lawyer and displays compelling performance.
• Denis Leary as Michael Whouley: Leary shines in the role of a Democractic strategist.
• Laura Dern as Katherine Harris: Dern gives an unforgettable portrayal of the Florida Secretary of State.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially going to be directed by Sydney Pollack, but due to his ill health, Jay Roach took over the director's role. Unfortunately, Pollack passed away 12 days after the film's premiere.
• Recount is based on numerous interviews and extensive research conducted by screenwriter Danny Strong.
• Despite being about an American election, the film was shot in Florida and Jacksonville.

Awards

Recount was met with critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards. It ultimately won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Made for Television Movie. In addition to the Emmys, Laura Dern won the Best Supporting Actress award from the Golden Globes.

Quotes

• "Every vote counts. The voters decide." - Ron Klain
• "We're not stealing the election, we're stealing it back." - Michael Whouley
• "You're not in DC anymore, Ron. This is the swamp." - Katherine Harris

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack was composed by Dave Grusin, a renowned American composer and pianist.
• The soundtrack complemented the movie's tone, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense.