Political Film and Television: The Power of the Political Thriller

Francis Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, is the central character in 'House of Cards'. He is a cunning and ambitious politician who uses manipulation and ruthless tactics to climb the political ladder and achieve his ultimate goal of becoming President of the United States.

Bulworth, directed by Warren Beatty, stars Beatty as Senator Jay Bulworth, a disillusioned politician who begins to speak his mind freely, much to the shock and dismay of his constituents and political allies.

Sam Seaborn, played by Rob Lowe, is a bright and idealistic young staffer who serves as Deputy Communications Director to President Josiah Bartlet in 'The West Wing'.

All the President's Men, based on the true story of the Watergate scandal, follows the investigation by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, played by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, respectively.

Stanley Motss, played by Dustin Hoffman, is a Hollywood producer who is hired by the President, played by Robert De Niro, to create a fake war in order to distract the public from a political scandal in 'Wag the Dog'.

The Ides of March, directed by George Clooney, stars Clooney and Ryan Gosling as a seasoned politician and a young idealist, respectively, who become entangled in a web of political intrigue and deception.

Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, is a powerful fixer and crisis manager who uses her connections and expertise to manipulate events and protect her clients in 'Scandal'.

The Pelican Brief, based on the novel by John Grisham, stars Julia Roberts as a young lawyer who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the President of the United States.

Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies, is an ambitious politician who faces personal and professional challenges as she navigates the world of politics in 'The Good Wife'.

The Postman, directed by Kevin Costner, stars Costner as a postman who becomes a symbol of hope and resistance in a post-apocalyptic world.

Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is a foul-mouthed and unpredictable Vice President who struggles to maintain her position in the White House in 'Veep'.

Syriana, directed by Stephen Gaghan, stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Jeffrey Wright as journalists who uncover a conspiracy involving the President of the United States and a powerful corporation.

Tommy Carcetti, played by Aidan Gillen, is an ambitious politician who uses his power and influence to manipulate events and maintain control over the city of Baltimore in 'The Wire'.

The Ides of March, directed by George Clooney, stars Clooney and Matt Damon as a seasoned politician and a young idealist, respectively, who become entangled in a web of political intrigue and deception.

Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, is a CIA agent who is tasked with tracking down a terrorist who poses a threat to national security in 'Homeland'.