I was thinking the same thing. I don't think that makes either ABC OR CBS particularly decent in their respective depictions.
IIRC, one of the things that irritated Republicans about "The Reagans" was, in part, the choice of casting of some vocal liberals in the show, especially James Brolin as Ronnie. The CNN article in your link also notes made-up inaccuracies, like below:
Perhaps the most inflammatory line of dialogue in the film concerns Nancy Reagan's efforts to enlist the president's help in fighting the emerging AIDS crisis. "They that live in sin shall die in sin," he replies, brushing off the discussion. The film's writer has acknowledged the line was invented, and it has been cut. Also cut: A scene in which Nancy writes a resignation letter for Secretary of State Alexander Haig, whom she fears is usurping the president's power.
In an interview last month, Davis said the film is neither "malicious" nor a "simple-minded iconic" portrait, but it's "respectfully critical."
Without having seen either show, it's hard for me to tell whether one show could be considered less "slanted" against its topic than the other. The tricky part is figuring out how to read the intent of the fictionalizations. I won't go there. ;) |
