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Kevin Spacey stars in HBO show about the 2000 election

Two-time Oscar® winner Kevin Spacey (“American Beauty,” “The Usual Suspects”) leads the ensemble cast of HBO Films’ RECOUNT. Directed by Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents”), the film revisits one of the most riveting and controversial moments in U.S. history – the 2000 presidential election in Florida – exploring the story behind the headlines to depict the 36-day tactical battle to determine who would become the 43rd President of the United States. Debuting SUNDAY, MAY 25 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO, RECOUNT also stars (in alphabetical order) Bob Balaban (“For Your Consideration”), Ed Begley, Jr. (“Living with Ed”), Laura Dern (“Year of the Dog”), John Hurt (“The Elephant Man”), Denis Leary (“Rescue Me”), Bruce McGill (“Cinderella Man”) and Tom Wilkinson (“Michael Clayton”)....

RECOUNT offers a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the Florida presidential vote recount from Election Day in November 2000 through the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of George W. Bush over Al Gore five weeks later. Mixing larger-than-life personalities with more dramatic twists than ever could have been imagined (and adding the expressions “butterfly ballot” and “hanging chad” to the American lexicon), the film takes a fascinating look at the human drama of characters involved in the chain of events that would determine the leadership of the country. First-time writer Danny Strong’s script is energetic, gripping and provocative, and creates an emotional roller coaster ride for the audience. His extensive research included a compendium of books, news coverage, court transcripts, and other written and recorded accounts, as well as first-person interviews with more than 40 of the real-life players from across the political spectrum.

Kevin Spacey portrays Ron Klain, Vice President Al Gore’s former chief of staff. Tom Wilkinson portrays James Baker III, who was previously Secretary of State to President George H. W. Bush. Denis Leary plays Michael Whouley, national field director during the Gore campaign. Laura Dern portrays Katherine Harris, Florida Secretary of Stat. Bob Balaban portrays Ben Ginsberg, national counsel to the Bush-Cheney campaign in the 2000 election. John Hurt plays Warren Christopher, former Secretary of State to President Bill Clinton. Bruce McGill plays Republican lobbyist Mac Stipanovich. Ed Begley, Jr. portrays attorney David Boies, who represented the Gore campaign before the Supreme Court.