George Bush '41,' it's very hush-hush
Won 1988 election
George H. Bush ran for president in 1988 against Michael S. Dukakis (D). Bush won and became the 41st president of the U.S. Credit: AP
Moreover, Bush hasn't done much talking since leaving office; press interviews are infrequent, and there is no official biography fulminating against old enemies or dripping with what-might-have-beens. For now, this is all we've got, and -- at least on film -- maybe all we'll ever get. As a viewing experience, "41" can be a little drowsy at moments. If memory serves, Bush was rarely comfortable with fiery rhetorical flourishes -- other than "Read my lips," and we all know how that turned out.
Assuming this film is representative, the passing years have only increased his natural-born reticence. He's gently prodded to elaborate on his years at the CIA. He holds his fingers to his lips -- "Shhh. No." Can he talk "a little bit" about Ross Perot, he is later asked? "No. Can't. I think he cost me the election, and I don't like him." What, in fact, does he like -- which is really the primary focus of this film? The sea, "Bar," family, fishing, boats, Kennebunkport, dogs -- and one dog in particular. Watching "41," you are left with the distinct impression that the true essence of the man emerges from this list.
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