Photo credit: Misc.
“I’ve got enough money. I don’t have to do this. I could shut up, but I can’t.” So says James Carville, the subject of Netflix’s documentary Carville, Winning is Everything, Stupid. The film reflects on his remarkable career and also explores his unique 30-year marriage to Republican consultant Mary Matalin. The documentary offers a deep dive into one of modern politics’ most fascinating lives.
James Carville isn’t just a political strategist—he’s a walking, talking Cajun firecracker who somehow makes politics feel like a Louisiana swamp party. Known for his rapid-fire, no-nonsense commentary, he has the unique ability to cut through political nonsense with precision. His signature bald head, thick Southern drawl and animated expressions make him one of the most recognizable figures in American politics. He once told Democrats, “You’re losing to a guy who thinks the windmills cause cancer.”
Carville’s marriage to Republican strategist Mary Matalin has been described as “The War Room meets The Odd Couple,” and their political debates at home probably make CNN panel discussions look like preschool story time. Whether he’s predicting election outcomes or delivering a zinger about Washington’s latest chaos, he remains one of the most entertaining (and sharpest) minds in politics.
“I loved the CNN documentary. It brought back memories of another documentary on Carville – The War Room – in early 1993. That man hasn’t changed a bit,” veteran television producer Ann Klenk told Hollywood on the Potomac. “James Carville is still passionate about his politics, his wife, his family and his beloved state of Louisiana.
Photo credit: Creative Commons
Carville’s brilliance has dominated national politics since the early 90s and I had the opportunity to meet James through his wife (then girlfriend) Mary Matalin when I produced her cable show Equal Time with Mary Matalin and Jane Wallace in 1993. The program ended up documenting their relationship, from dating to engagement to their wedding in New Orleans on Thanksgiving day in 1993. It was a real reality show, live television, no script, real life, real politics and played out a true love story. And, since this was in the early in the age of cable with a tiny yet loyal audience, there were no rules. We all had a blast, the time of our lives and their wedding still ranks as the best party I’ve ever attended. I loved them both.
Ann’s wedding at the home of James and Mary in Virginia. Yup, was a blast!!!!!!
To this day people as me, ‘How can Mary and James be together when he’s a Democratic and she’s a Republican and their political views are so different?’ I’ve answered as I have for over 30 years, I can’t imagine Mary and James ever being apart.
You see, I found them to be very much alike. Both are fierce and fearless competitors. Both loyal to their strong political beliefs. Both are passionate about their love of this country. And, if “Winning is Everything “ then James and Mary’s love for each other, their children, family and friends is their greatest victory. And so goes the hopeful tale of when James met Mary.”
“James Carville joined the USC School of Cinematic Arts to talk about his new documentary. Carville has been a mesmerizing figure to me ever since I saw The War Room at Georgetown’s storied and long gone Key Theatre,” Alessandro Ago – USC Executive Director, Film Programming and Special Projects – told us. In person, he clearly understands what his persona means to others, and how desperately we need someone to make sense of the 2024 election for us. True to form, Carville didn’t hold back from provocation, a weapon he uses strategically because it gets people to pay attention. Carville emphasized the need for politicians to better understand and connect with the economic hardships in communities that feel abandoned, much like Bill Clinton did when he infamously ‘felt our pain’. Fired up and gregarious, it’s not hard to see why Carville has remained a beacon of political sobriety for many of us — something the film captures brilliantly as it documents the wins and losses of one our most passionate and outspoken political geniuses.”
Bob Shrum, moderator – James Carville – Director Matt Tyrnauer
“Just watch it, stupid!”
The Los Angeles Times
