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The Contender
2000
In THE CONTENDER, the sudden death of the vice president of the United States forces U.S. president Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to pick a replacement. He decides against picking the popular governor of Virginia, Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), and instead makes the radical choice of Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) to .. Read more
| Starring | Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater |
|---|---|
| Director | Rod Lurie |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Contender
In THE CONTENDER, the sudden death of the vice president of the United States forces U.S. president Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to pick a replacement. He decides against picking the popular governor of Virginia, Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), and instead makes the radical choice of Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) to become the nation's first female veep. Governor Hathaway's political friends include Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), a powerful congressman who will oversee Hanson's confirmation. Runyon digs into Hanson's personal life and finds evidence that in college, Hanson participated in an alcohol-fueled orgy as part of a sorority initiation. When faced with this scandal, Hanson refuses to respond to the attacks, causing a political crisis leading to further shocking revelations.
Former film critic Rod Lurie's second film (after the thriller DETERRENCE) is a tense potboiler with issues ripped from modern headlines, including the nature of political ideals and the national curiosity with leaders' sex lives. Joan Allen gives another in a long line of stunning performances as the tough, idealistic Laine Hanson, who stands up for what she believes in no matter what the cost. THE CONTENDER also features strong supporting performances from Bridges and Oldman, as well as a realistic look at the high-pressure game of insider politics.
| Starring | Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, Sam Elliott, Saul Rubinek, Philip Baker Hall, William Petersen |
|---|---|
| Director | Rod Lurie |
| Studio | ICON HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 9 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 29 Oct 2001 Production year: 2000 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Former film critic Rod Lurie makes an assured second feature (his debut was 1999's Deterrence) with this streetwise insight into both the predatory nature of Washington power-broking and the increasingly base motives of contemporary journalism. In a part written especially for her, Joan Allen gives an Oscar-nominated performance as the senator selected by popular president Jeff Bridges (also nominated) to succeed his recently deceased vice-president. Lurie wisely restrains the scene-stealing antics of Gary Oldman, who as the veteran committee chair seeks to discredit Allen in favour of his own candidate. But Lurie's decision to tack on a flag-waving finale, after so much shrewd pseudo-satire, is disappointing.
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"....[Ms. Allen's performance] is an exquisitely subtle study of a strong, high-principled woman pushed to the breaking point....Mr. Oldman cloaks [his] character in an aura of deep sadness..."
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Most helpful member's review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Good story line, and up to date politically. Would have found disappointing at the cinema but good for a night in. Jeff Bridges made a very plausible President.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
The Contender
Great acting from the main players. Typical bullying style tactics of political (both in the broad and narrow sense) highlighted.
The end was always, essentially, what you'd expect it to be; those on the high moral ground being rewarded for being virtuous - needs a bit more of a reality check, but that's Hollywood for you! -
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