David Mamet imbues all of his screenplays with his trademark cynicism and Wag the Dog is no exception. When the President gets caught in a sex scandal, he calls on expert spin doctor Robert De Niro to provide a distraction so he can be reelected. Enter Dustin Hoffmans veteran Hollywood producer who helps them cook up a fake war with Albania. Given that their entire operation relies on deceiving the public, its almost like we want to see them succeed in spite of ourselves. In a way, the movie is tame compared to its source material. The novel portrays Desert Storm as nothing more than George H.W. Bushs desperate attempt at reelection. I guess there are some scenarios that are too cynical for even David Mamet to contemplate.