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The Contender on DVD (2000)
RelatedCritics Reviews
Radio Times
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. New York Times "....[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..."
Political thriller that holds the attention for most of the time, before succumbing to sentimentality that obviates all its insights into wheeling and dealing in the corridors of power. Members ReviewsReviews Voted Most HelpfulMost Recent Reviews |
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