Robert De Niro Takes a Political Turn in Upcoming Netflix Thriller Zero Day
Robert De Niro is set to embark on a compelling new chapter in his illustrious career with the Netflix political thriller Zero Day. In this miniseries, the renowned double Oscar-winner will portray a former U. S.president, marking his first political role in nearly twenty years. This new venture draws intriguing parallels to his earlier work in the classic 1997 satire Wag the Dog, where De Niro played a political spin doctor alongside Dustin Hoffman’s cunning Hollywood producer.
Wag the Dog was lauded upon its release, notably for its prescient themes that resonated during the tail end of Bill Clinton’s presidency. Unfortunately, the film has slipped into relative obscurity over the years, making it a hidden gem worth revisiting.
Echoes of Wag the Dog in Zero Day
For fans of De Niro and aficionados of ’90s cinema, Wag the Dog remains a must-see. Both this film and Zero Day tackle the manipulation of reality. In Wag the Dog, an old-fashioned spin doctor devises a scheme to absolve the president from scandal. Conversely, Zero Day deals with a global cyberattack that triggers an investigation into political conspiracy theories. The striking similarities between the two plots highlight a pertinent theme of political deception.
A Spin Doctor’s Tale in Wag the Dog
De Niro’s character in Wag the Dog, Conrad Brean, is notably unique in his 50-year film career. He is enlisted to devise an elaborate distraction to shield the president from public scrutiny regarding a personal scandal. Their plot involves staging a fabricated conflict in the Balkans, cleverly diverting public attention from the Oval Office scandal.
“War is showbusiness.”- Robert De Niro as Conrad Brean in Wag the Dog
The dynamic between De Niro and Hoffman showcases razor-sharp dialogue that serves as biting satire, expertly crafted within a briskly paced narrative. The film’s incisive commentary on politics has only gained significance as historical events unfolded, particularly the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and the U. S.intervention in Kosovo, which happened shortly after the film’s release. This makes Wag the Dog one of the most prescient political comedies in cinema history.
De Niro as a Hero in Zero Day
In Zero Day, De Niro transitions to a more heroic portrayal as the former President George Mullen, who emerges as a defender of truth amid chaos. Unlike his previous character trying to manipulate the narrative, Mullen is now focused on uncovering the truth behind a devastating cyberattack that has resulted in massive casualties and threats to national security.
The Theme of Conspiracy in Zero Day
This Netflix series is anticipated to explore the landscape of conspiracy theories, with Mullen facing numerous lies that complicate his investigation and threaten the stability of society. Although Zero Day may lack the acerbic satire of Wag the Dog, it promises to deliver one of De Niro’s most eagerly awaited performances in years. Notably, he has taken on the role of executive producer for the series, setting the stage for a deeply engaging narrative. Given his reputation for producing critically acclaimed projects like When They See Us and The Irishman, expectations are high for this upcoming Netflix release.
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