Michael J Fox: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked
2. Lewis Rothschild - The American President (1995)
The American President might not be the most famous of Foxs or writer Aaron Sorkins bodies of work, but it is hugely important as an indication of both mens greatness. For Sorkin - who infamously claimed to have written the screenplay while high on crack cocaine - it prefigured The West Wing, sharing ideologies and beats, and the writing process inspired his work on Sports Night. For Fox, it offered an opportunity to show off his acting ability and his versatility. He plays president Michael Douglas ideological conscience, having modelled the role on both George Stephanopoulos (the same inspiration for Spin City) and Jiminy Cricket. And in that contradiction of inspiration points - which come together for a truly brilliant performance - is the films chief virtue. It pulls together diverse, wonderful components and makes something that is an unexpectedly brilliant sum of its parts.
