

Tanner '88
In 1988, renegade filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize–winning Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau created a presidential candidate, ran him alongside the other hopefuls during the primary season, and presented their media campaign as a cross between a soap opera and TV news. The result was the groundbreaking Tanner ’88, a piercing satire of media-age American politics.
Insights
Plot Summary
This mockumentary miniseries follows Jack Tanner, a fictional Democratic candidate, as he navigates the chaotic and often absurd landscape of the 1988 US presidential campaign. The series blurs the lines between fiction and reality, featuring real politicians and journalists interacting with Tanner and his fictional campaign staff. It offers a satirical look at the media's influence, political maneuvering, and the personal toll of a presidential race.
Critical Reception
Tanner '88 was critically acclaimed for its innovative blend of documentary and fiction, its sharp satire of American politics, and Michael Murphy's performance. It is widely regarded as a landmark in mockumentary filmmaking and a prescient commentary on political media coverage.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its groundbreaking mockumentary style that felt remarkably ahead of its time.
- Michael Murphy's performance as the fictional candidate was lauded for its depth and believability.
- The series was celebrated for its sharp, insightful, and often humorous critique of the American political process and media.
Google audience: Viewers found Tanner '88 to be a hilariously accurate and surprisingly relevant satire of political campaigns, commending its ability to blend reality and fiction seamlessly.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Special.
Fun Fact
The series famously featured real-life political figures and journalists, such as Pat Buchanan and Bruce Morton, playing themselves and interacting with the fictional Tanner campaign.
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