How Arnie Won the West

Aroview: A beguiling account of Arnold Schwarzenegger's transformation from Hollywood star into Republican Governor of California, through a 2004 state recall election studded with bizarre revelations, political twists and a host of other candidates, many of who seem to have escaped from a circus act.

With guest appearances from various misfit US notables (including George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Maria Shriver), this still leaves one chiefly marvelling at Arnie's polished ability at adopting a new career script, that is, impersonating a 'man of the people'-type leader. All in all, dir. Cooke yields yet more proof of America's propensity to follow appearances rather than reality.

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