Review: "Playing POTUS" Offers an Amusing yet Incomplete Look at Presidential Impersonations on Screen

A new documentary, "Playing POTUS," directed by Josh Greenbaum, has emerged shortly after Morgan Neville's "Lorne," continuing the trend of films centered on "Saturday Night Live." While "Playing POTUS" purports to broadly cover comedic presidential impersonations, a substantial portion—estimated at around 75 percent—of its 93-minute runtime is dedicated to the iconic sketch comedy show. This focus aligns with the film's full title, "Playing POTUS: SNL's 50 Years of Presidents," a loose adaptation of Peter Funt's book, "Playing POTUS: The Power of America's 'Acting Presidents.'"

The documentary's most engaging segments feature interviews with renowned comedians such as Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell, and Kate McKinnon, who share their experiences and insights on impersonating presidents. These discussions provide valuable perspectives on the creative process behind their characters and the perceived impact of their portrayals on public perception. However, the film's decision to almost exclusively concentrate on "SNL" characters, with brief exceptions like John F. Kennedy impersonator Vaughn Meader, leaves a noticeable void. This narrow scope means it largely sidesteps a broader examination of presidential comedy across various media, including other sketch shows like "In Living Color" or "Mad TV," and animated series like "The Simpsons" or "South Park." This omission is particularly striking given the film's title, suggesting a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Ultimately, while "Playing POTUS" delivers an enjoyable experience with its celebrity anecdotes and some analysis of how "SNL" impressions can shape collective consciousness, its limited perspective prevents it from being a truly profound or comprehensive study. The film's reluctance to delve into non-"SNL" portrayals, even those of figures like Sarah Palin or Kamala Harris who were not presidents but were extensively lampooned, renders it an entertaining but ultimately superficial contribution to the discourse on comedic presidential representation.

This film serves as a poignant reminder that even seemingly niche subjects can offer rich historical and cultural insights. When approaching such topics, striving for a broad and inclusive perspective enriches understanding and prevents a narrative from becoming unduly narrow. Engaging with diverse interpretations fosters a more complete and nuanced appreciation of the subject matter, highlighting the varied ways in which comedy reflects and influences societal perceptions.