Movies

Review: Robert De Niro delivers thoughtful performance as a former president in ‘Zero Day’

BBG News

Robert De Niro, a name synonymous with acting excellence, is making his television debut on Netflix with the series “Zero Day,” which starts on Thursday. While he’s no stranger to TV appearances, such as his stints on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ this marks his first full-fledged role in a television production spanning over six decades of his career.

In a new scene, Robert De Niro portrays George Mullen, a former U.S. President. The narrative opens with an intense moment where he’s frantically trying to open a safe as chaos erupts beyond the door. The story then takes us back a few days to calmer times. We find him engaged in his usual morning routine – taking pills (due to his age), swimming laps, jogging with the dog, and filling bird feeders. His wife Sheila (played by Joan Allen) is absent, but we learn from a strategically placed newspaper headline that she’s a notable figure, nominated for the Federal Court of Appeals.

During a meeting with a potential ghostwriter, we discover that Mullen chose not to run for re-election, surprising the world. Some speculate it was because of his son, but others suggest there might be other reasons behind this decision.

Immediately following the end of this extensive explanation, a devastating cyber-attack strikes every seemingly invincible system within the United States, causing complete system failure. Everything goes dark! (A ‘Zero Day’ incident refers to a cyber breach for which there is no immediate solution.) In movies or on TV, such massive events are often attributed to aliens heralding their arrival in a grand manner – whether beneficial or harmful, it’s uncertain, as aliens tend to be mysterious creatures. (They occasionally make mistakes, but it’s not necessarily their fault.) However, this mischief is purely earthbound. Planes collide mid-air, trains collide, and countless lives are lost. A minute later, the power is restored, and everyone with a phone receives the ominous message, “This will happen again.” No ransom is demanded, no one takes responsibility. The clock is ticking.

Following a stirring address at the scene of a subway catastrophe, instigated by his cherished ex-advisor Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), Mullen gets tapped by the current President Evelyn Mitchell – portrayed by Angela Bassett, and in this imaginative scenario, the nation has successfully elected a Black woman to the position – to lead a unique investigative committee. This commission, granted extraordinary powers by Congress to match the magnitude of this crisis, possesses capabilities for surveillance, search and seizure, and if required, even the temporary suspension of habeas corpus. While such powers might seem troubling, Mullen, who is known as the last president in recent history capable of garnering bipartisan backing, is considered trustworthy enough to not misuse his position. His secret service name is “Legend.

In a less optimistic stance regarding this situation is Alexandra Mullen, Lizzy Caplan’s character, who happens to be a second-term congresswoman. Despite her youth, popularity on Instagram, and the district she represents (New York’s 14th Congressional District), there might be some doubt about her true identity within the storyline; you be the judge. She shares nonpolitical disagreements with her father, but he holds her in high regard. Similarly skeptical is Richard Dreyer, portrayed by Matthew Modine, the Speaker of the House. Though his speech is collected and rational, his initial appearance gives off a villainous vibe. He’s polished, towering, and has white hair which adds to the impression.

It’s been proposed by multiple individuals that Mullen seems oblivious to the fact that the world has significantly transformed since he was president, not too long ago. One who puts forth this view is Sheila, who persuades Valerie Whitesell (played by Connie Britton), Mullen’s former trusted chief of staff, to rejoin his team – despite any personal conflicts between them. Many of these characters appear to have contentious relationships with others; it might be helpful to jot down their interactions for reference.

Beyond that, Mullen has been experiencing things differently now, such as hearing and seeing things – most unsettlingly, a reimagined version of the Sex Pistols’ song “Who Killed Bambi?” (with Tenpole Tudor replacing Johnny Rotten). He even finds himself compulsively writing the title repeatedly, in a manner reminiscent of Jack Torrance. The song selection might be seen as a form of torment, both for Mullen and for those observing him.

Moreover, not only that, but there are Russians, hackers, a tech tycoon named Gaby Hoffman, and a Wall Street villain known as Clark Gregg. Adding to the mix is a biased media figure (Dan Stevens), radical leftists, and various other characters. To clarify, this drama does not have a hidden political or woke agenda.

In today’s Washington, which seems more like a bizarre and unreal version of reality, it feels strange to watch any form of fiction set in that city. Even though the events in this tale might seem absurdly outlandish or the solution to the central enigma could be ludicrous, the political world portrayed here is inhabited by competent individuals, who may not always see eye to eye, and might sometimes prioritize their own interests above all else. They may have their flaws or be tainted in some way, but they function within an unexpectedly courteous environment. (Of course, on the streets, things can get much more chaotic as “Zero Day” unfolds.)

From a cinephile’s perspective, this captivating series delves into the perils of power misuse leading towards fascism, the seductive nature of demagoguery, and offers innovative perspectives on extremism serving as a means to achieve moderation. However, it remarkably steers clear from any political affiliations, making it a truly extraordinary feat. The characters are subtly positioned along the political spectrum, yet no explicit labels like ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat’ are used. Characters like Mullen drop hints through references to historical figures such as Adlai Stevenson, and images with Bono and the Edge suggest a leaning, though not definitively so. Interestingly, even George Bush is among the characters, adding another layer of intrigue. (Verified upon examination.)

Produced by Eric Newman (“Griselda”), Michael S. Schmidt of The New York Times and former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, this series is skillfully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland”). It’s a grand production, filled with diverse locations, abundant resources, large crowd scenes (indicating dedication), numerous black SUVs, many dark suits, and cameos from TV news personalities. This high-profile, lavish production could have easily been starred by Henry Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Robert Wagner, and Natalie Wood in the past, and filmed in black and white, despite color being an option, half a century ago.

This production carries an old-world charm, although it may not be as sharp-witted as its predecessors. However, the talented cast manages to maintain credibility despite the material falling short at times. Compared to other streaming dramas, this series is relatively compact, consisting of only six episodes. Despite its brevity, it’s packed with a multitude of storylines – intrigue, family dynamics, romance, and even a mystery about Bambi’s murder. As “Zero Day” approaches its conclusion, it begins to show signs of fatigue and instability.

Regarding De Niro, it’s his presence that elevates the series beyond ordinary interest – his political views, at times, are openly expressed, especially when portraying certain characters. Even in subpar films, he’s worth watching, and given his commitment to this extensive series, one can’t accuse him of lackluster performance: His performance is thoughtful, understated, yet entirely believable, showcasing the star he is. Like his character, De Niro’s talent hasn’t waned with age, despite what some might say, and if both have made mistakes throughout their long careers, not even Superman is infallible anymore. He remains a legend.

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2025-02-20 19:31

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