Another presidential role by Martin Sheen

6/23/02 | slowry

[slowry]

It's clear that Martin Sheen is a little confused in being able to separate his role as president on West Wing, and real life. Such as what he's said while campaigning for Janet Reno: "This is the most gratifying experience I've had since I became acting President."

I remembered another politician he played in the movie Dead Zone. His character's name was Greg Stillson, first appears while running for the Senate (a campaign incorporating blackmail and intimidation might I add).

Christopher Walken's character in Dead Zone becomes able to "read" a person's future by touching their hand. His visions are shown to always come true, except when someone intervenes because of his foreknowledge.

When he shakes hands with Stillson, he "sees" into the future, where Stillson is president, and is trying to get a general to give his consent to launch missiles (not clear against whom). With Sheen is his apparent "bodyguard" -- previously shown as his goon while running for senator.

Sheen's hand is on a scanner, obviously giving verification before the launch.

Then:

Sheen: [wearing bathrobe] "Do it general."

General: "You're insane. I won't."

Sheen: "Do it!! Put your hand on the scanning screen and you'll go down in history with me."

General: "As what? The world's greatest mass murderers?"

Sheen: "You cowardly bastard! You're not the voice of the people! I am the voice of the people! The people speak through me not you!!"

Sheen: [to bodyguard] "It came to me when I slept, Sonny. My destiny. In the middle of the night it came to me. I must get up now -- right now! -- and fulfill my destiny!"

Sheen: [to general] "Now you put your god**** hand on that scanning screen or I'll hack it off and put it on for you! Do it!"

General: [Hesitates, then steps forward and has hand scanned] "May God forgive me."

Sheen: "Congratulations, General."

Sonny: "Complete the sequence, Mr. President."

[Sheen enters code, ominous red button is at the ready]

Sheen: "My destiny." [Sheen presses button, it starts flashing]

Sonny: "Congratulations Mr. President."

Sheen: "Thank you, Sonny." [walks over to door, speaks to armed guards] "Let them come up."

[Vice President and Secretary of State come up stairs]

Vice President: "This is not necessary, Mr. President. We have a diplomatic solution."

Sheen: [shakes their hands] "Mr. Vice President, Mr. Secretary, the missiles are flying. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."

Walken's vision ends.

[Draco]

The media's fawning adulation of "stars" and the serious with which it takes every word uttered by these actors is something we need to make use of. Thanks for this post.

[Paul Atreides]

I cannot help but laugh when I think of Jeb having Rudy and The President of the United States stumping for him and all Janet has are a group of lesbians and Martin Sheen (whose stupidity knows no bounds). And every time they show Janet she has that nursing-home-patient look on her face.