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The Contender (2000) DreamWorks Pictures 2 hrs. Starring: Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Sam Elliot, William Petersen and Christian Slater. Directed by: Rod Lurie. 
The Contender Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI Politics is a risky and dangerous game. That is the central premise that Director Rod Lurie brings forth in his politically charged film, “The Contender”. I was never one for politically centered films that evoke the American political justice system as the supreme example of democratic superiority. But, I must admit that Lurie knows his politics, and his knowledge transcends on screen. Lurie was a former film critic working in Los Angeles when he came up with the idea of making a movie himself. This is his second feature and both of his films seem to be involved within a political arena. “The Contender” stars Jeff Bridges as the President of the United States and Joan Allen as the vice-president designate Laine Hanson seeking confirmation for entry into the highest executive position in the land. Here enters Gary Oldman as a deceptive and manipulative Congressman sent to destroy Hanson’s chances by uncovering a sexually devious past. Oldman is as always a great antagonist, and Allen as the film’s hopeless victim seems to slide from scene to scene comforting herself in the notion that she will never confess to these charges, therefore standing by her principles and morality. Lurie opens up the film with some great visual shots. Look for the shot of Bridges’ first appearance as President in the Oval office simply catch you off guard. Lurie likes it so much he uses it again towards the end of the film when he and Oldman face off in an anti-climactic scene. As far as the film is concerned, Joan Allen received an Oscar nomination for her role as the principle following, atheist guided turn as the Senator who will not conform and confess to the charges laid against her. A strong supporting cast features William Petersen, Saul Rubinek, Sam Elliot and even Mariel Hemingway stops by to give a brief, yet all important scene within the film. As aforementioned, I was never a fan of politically driven films. Yet, this film was an enjoyable film. Lurie works upon a simple central conflict of the rejection of Hanson as V.P. and the film slowly moves its way around all the possible angles. A well-written story that features great performances from an all-star cast that simply is a little film masqueraded by the fact that it has so many mainstream actors. Bridges is great as the President who enjoys indulging in exotic dishes at all hours of the day simply by pushing a button to his personal chef. Furthermore, he bowls in the private Presidential bowling alley, and is liked by all citizens of the country. My question is that I acknowledge the fact that Bridges plays the President, but why is Bridges the more diverse and interesting character when he is simply the secondary actor? Allen’s character is simple, she rarely smiles and she seems to want to stand for women of her country, refusing to give to the charges. Meanwhile, we await Bridges’ next scene as the smooth talking and spotlight-stealing President. The film wraps up in the ever so patriotic manner in which almost every American patriotic film closes with. If you know your movies, you will see the end result coming a mile away. The film makes it a point at stressing the fact that all politicians are meticulously deceptive and conniving, therefore using their skills to get their way. Ultimately, the film features some well-built scenes transcended to the screen with great performances, resulting in a tense and at realistic film reminiscent of the Clinton impeachment. Yet, politicians will love this film because it mirrors their every action flawlessly. It gives the outside; everyday man a quaint look into the world of politics, but only a person who is involved in these shenanigans can appreciate this film. As for the everyday moviegoer, only if you are a buff of political films will you truly enjoy it. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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