Details
Movie Description
Michael Ritchie once again shows his impressive ability to tackle new genres, after DOWNHILL RACER and PRIME CUT, with THE CANDIDATE, a scathing depiction of the hypocrisy and complexity in the American political world.
Bill McKay (Robert Redford), an idealistic young lawyer and son of a famous governor, is pressured into running for the United States Senate against the popular incumbent, with the assurance that he will lose and not have to give up his integrity or ideals. However, as the campaign deepens, he finds himself giving in, allowing himself to be manipulated as the polls slowly change and swing in his favor. Soon his backers decide that they want him to win after all. By the time Election Day arrives, McKay has become the person that he used to speak so vehemently against. Working from an Oscar-winning script by former Eugene McCarthy speechwriter Jeremy Larner, Ritchie films THE CANDIDATE with a heavy dose of semi-documentary realism that makes for an emotionally impacting experience.
Synopsis
In Michael Ritchie's THE CANDIDATE, Bill McKay, an idealistic politician, is pressured into running for the U.S. senate against the popular incumbent. As the campaign deepens, McKay finds himself part of the corruption he despises.
Film Notes
Theatrical release: June 29, 1972
Estimated budget: $1.7 million.
Hubert H. Humphrey, George McGovern, and other U.S. senators appear as themselves in the film.
Industry Reviews
3 stars out of 5 -- "[The film] sees Robert Redford on sterling form as wannabe senator Bill McKay and a bearded Peter Boyle offering classy support as his spin-doctor sidekick."
Total Film - Total Film Staff (08/01/2006)
4 stars out of 5 -- "This sharp 1970's satire remains particularly relevant, looking as it does at the machinery of electing a candidate to political office."
Ultimate DVD - Simon Edwards (08/01/2006)
"Ritchie's acutely observed political drama features one of Robert Redford's best and bravest performances."
Sight and Sound - Geoffrey Macnab (10/01/2006)
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