TAGLINE: Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot.
Politics is obviously not the first place to look for honesty and morals. It may be crude, but it is true. So, when you are brought a strong character like Laine Hanson, you start to question a film�s credibility.
The Contender is a political masterpiece in the vein of All The President�s Men and Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Joan Allen is Senator Laine Hanson, a contender for the office of vice president. Laine is a wonderful character who I think will go into the annals of movie history. She is honest, strong, fierce, and kind of a Norma Rae for the Millenium. After being the leading choice to replace the deceased Vice President, she goes under brutal allegations from the board, headed by Shelly Runion, Gary Oldman, and assisted by newcomer young Congressman Reginald Webster, Christian Slater. Laine is harassed by her interviewers and, though she has many opportunities to confront her accusers, never loses her integrity. The mystery of what really happened to her a particular college night, comes out and we as an audience are left feeling grand. In the end, all the hard work and hell Laine has gone through to get to where she is pays off and leaves us satisfied. Senator Hanson is a hero and someone you will find yourself rooting for.
The cast in this film is phenomenal. Joan Allen is always dependable and she is definitely deserving of some Oscar consideration this year, especially after being wrongfully overlooked for her performance in Pleasantville. She brings a certain depth and charm to Laine Hanson that is necessary to her character. Gary Oldman is a fabulous actor, so great that he can separate every character he plays. Here, I could hardly recognize him, not just for the wonderful makeup job, but because he is just that good. Jeff Bridges is a joy to watch as the already enjoyable President Jackson Evans. Christian Slater has always been a favorite of mine, so I was entertained to see him anyway, but he brings a reality to the young congressman who has not yet been corrupted by the system with such ease. And William Petersen as Jack Hathaway and Sam Elliot as Kermit Newman are a delight. Hell, everyone right down to Mariel Hemmingway in her minor role is dead on in his or her character.
This is Director/Writer Rod Lurie�s second film behind his movie Deterrence. Both films are political dramas, so I�m guessing Rod figures �stick to what you know.� Obviously, he does. The Contender is beautifully shot and written. The little inside jokes he adds are priceless, with talks of cigars and not inhaling. His camera angling is beautiful, using timeless backdrops to emphasize the moment. This is a man who will go far. I just hope he can bring his endearing style out of the realm of politics.
This movie will definitely make an impact at awards time. Best Actress, Actor, Picture, and Direction are just a few honors I would not be surprised to see this get nominated for. Why? It is a wonderful film. Take it from me. I am as anti-political as you can get without being an anarchist, and I loved this movie. Making you cheer for a political figure is a huge accomplishment in itself. So, though it may not be the best movie of the year, it is definitely a contender.
