The Victor Davis Hanson Show Exploring the Complex Legacy of Ronald Reagan in Film
11 snips
May 28, 2025 
Mark Joseph, director of the film "Reagan" and author of "Making Reagan", dives deep into the complexities of portraying the iconic president. He discusses the challenges faced during production amid Hollywood's polarized environment and shares intriguing anecdotes from his interviews with Reagan's contemporaries. The conversation navigates Reagan's near-fatal assassination attempt, his evolving cinematic legacy, and the lasting impact of his political alliances. Mark sheds light on Reagan's character shaped by personal connections, offering a unique lens on a controversial figure.
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Fair Reagan Portrayal Earned Trust
- Depicting Reagan fairly without idolizing or demonizing was essential to gain trust for the film.
- The team avoided script approval from any group to maintain independence from influence.
Reagan's Quick Temper Example
- Reagan had a quick temper that passed rapidly, demonstrated once when he threw his glasses after seeing his schedule.
- This humanized Reagan beyond the often-seen "Mr. Perfect" image.
Reagan's Public Temper Flashes
- Reagan publicly showed flashes of anger, like when he said "I'm paying for this microphone" during the primary.
- Another rare outburst was towards a heckler on the last day of the 1980 campaign.