How Arnold Won the West

2004

1 hr. 20 min.

Documentary

Biography

List

Reviews

In the 2003 special election, Gov. Gray Davis faces replacement in California's big chair by movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger. As this documentary shows, the obstacles facing the erstwhile "Terminator" are both serious and colorful: allegations of poor behavior with women, and opponents including a porn star and actor Gary Coleman. The film portrays the election as a movie-worthy spectacle, but also offers proof that sometimes even the most elaborate art can't hold a candle to real life.

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Audience Member

Doc about Schwarznegger's election, his best performance ever I must say. As a villain. The director didn't need much to make a good movie since the election was a freaking circus, it's an entertaining yet scary flick about the american politics. A nice companion for a double feature with Fahrenheit 9/11.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

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Alex Cooke

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Actor

Gasser Barbara

Actor

George W. Bush

Actor

Bill Clinton

Actor

Gray Davis

Actor

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Jake Euker

F5 (Wichita, KS)

Cooke has a bias that's too strident and sometimes unfair, but her film remains a fascinating look at democracy at its worst.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 12, 2005

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Jules Brenner

Filmcritic.com

a documentary that will prove its value in the course of democratic time

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 6, 2005

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Synopsis

In the 2003 special election, Gov. Gray Davis faces replacement in California's big chair by movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger. As this documentary shows, the obstacles facing the erstwhile "Terminator" are both serious and colorful: allegations of poor behavior with women, and opponents including a porn star and actor Gary Coleman. The film portrays the election as a movie-worthy spectacle, but also offers proof that sometimes even the most elaborate art can't hold a candle to real life.

Director: Alex Cooke
Executive Producer: Patrice Barrat, Alan Hayling, Richard Klein, Charlotte Metcalf
Screenwriter: Alex Cooke
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 29, 2016

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