R E V I E W S
Contender, The (2000)
Starring: Joan
Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Sam Elliott, Christian Slater,
Robin Thomas, Mike Binder Studio: DreamWorks SKG Review Posted: 10.11.00 Rating: 4.5/5
By Paul Perkins.
In the world of politics, backstabbing and crocked politicians are the name of the game. The Contender is about those issues. When the Vice President of the United States dies, the President (Jeff Bridges) must elect a new Vice President. The choices he has are slim. After a long decision, he chooses Senator Lane Hansen (Joan Allen) to be the first women in office.
The President is pressured from both parties, saying that women should not have the seat. One of Hansen’s biggest enemies is the powerful political adversary Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman). He is the biggest crock there is and will never stop to discredit her.
Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy after Runyon uncovers secrets from Hanson’s past that dealt with sexual matters. This threatening her personal life as well as her political future.
The Contender is one of the year’s best films. It will be on my top ten list. The story was hard-hitting and straight to the point. Even though this is not based on a true story, it seems like one. The Contender tries to make a point - whatever you did in the past, no matter how small, can affect your future - and succeeds admirably. I liked The Contender on many levels. Here are several reasons. The story was perfect; it draws you in and holds you to the final speech, which let me tell you, was so powerful that it makes the political debates that we have on TV look like child’s play.
The cast was superb. Here is a rundown. First up is Gary Oldman. He did a great job with his role. It’s one of his best performances in his career. Next is Jeff Bridges who stole the show. This was his best performance also. Next up is Joan Allen. She did a perfect job as the senator who must defend her honor. I think no other actress could’ve done better than her.
The movie did not drag at all. As a matter of fact, I wish it was longer. The supporting cast was also perfect, doing a superb job. Some of the inside political jokes were quite funny. Here a hint. It has something to do with the real president; Bill Clinton.
There was nothing that I didn’t like about The Contender. I cannot think of any changes the movie should make. It’s all great in its entirety. Overall, The Contender was one of this year’s best films. Moreover, it should get an Oscar nomination for the following: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay. We’ll just have to wait and see. Aside from that, go see this outstanding film.
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