David Priester - Dead Presidents

 Dead Presidents is a 1995 American crime film based on the true story of Haywood T. Kirkland, about a Vietnam War veteran who is forced to commit a heist after he’s no longer able to support his girlfriend or daughter. The film spans the better part of a decade, starting at the end of the main character’s (Anthony) high school life before covering his service overseas and then his tumultuous return home. The film is most well known for the heist scene that serves as the climax.

Trailer

Selected Screenshots

After an argument with Juanita, his girlfriend, Anthony’s doubt in himself continues to grow.

Anthony, disguised with face paint, waits to ambush the armored truck’s guards

Cultural Significance

    The film portrays the struggles of veterans who lacked government support after coming back from the war. It also shows the supposed loss of innocence after Vietnam, directly comparing the post-war period after World War 2 to the far more jaded post-war period of the 70s. Additionally, the film gives plenty of importance to the characters, with a heavy focus on the relationship between Anthony and Juanita and the reality of domestic abuse. Other characters also struggle with drug dependencies and making enough money for ends to meet. Overall, it paints a wholly encompassing picture of impoverished communities and provides sympathetic reasons as to why one might turn to a life of crime. 

Discussion Questions

Q1: The film borrows from the life of a real veteran, as well as some other actual heists and notable events, but does

engage in some embellishment. Do you think this embellishment is acceptable or serves to disparage the real person the movie is based off of?

Q2: Do you think the focus on violence and the war-based segments of the movie take away from the more emotional and intimate scenes that sit between them?