Hey folks, Harry here... and once again we have a review of THE CONTENDER which is running down the probable nominations and possible wins that this film will collect in the early part of next year. Directed by ex-film critic Rod Lurie, and Dreamworks is going to do its darndest to ensure this film the best chance (alongside Cameron Crowe's latest) at OSCAR GOLD. THE CONTENDER will debut at the 25th anniversary edition of the TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, playing... I believe on September 10th. Well, the word couldn't be stronger from these reports. Take a look folks, this seems to possibly be one of those weird cases where a critic makes the successful transition from professional complainer to creator... I wish Rod the best of luck with this film, it sounds wonderful...
Hello there, Harry.
Having recently had an oppotunity to see a test screening of the film "The Contender", I felt is was imperitive to send off a review for this movie as you can be assurred this will be one of the most talked about movies of the year, especially when people begin to start seriously considering what might get nominated for an Oscar. I am not in the habbit of raving about films or giving credit where little is due, but with this film I was just swept away by not only the script, but the acting as well.
"The Contender" is the story of Senator Laine Hanson, played superbly Joan Allen. Hanson has had the good fortune to be tapped by President Jackson Evans as his primary choice to be Vice President since the current V.P. had died while in office.
As you can imagine, the slection of a female Vice President does not sit well with many in the political area, and the picture revolves around Hanson trying to survive the feeding frenzy that her past and present have become in the eyes of the media. This frenzy is brought to light courtesy of the many politicos who have no intention of Hanson taking office.
Hanson's cheif detractor is Congressman Sheldon B. Runyon, a Republican who dislikes Democrat Hanson's stance on many issues and he makes it his personal crusade to see Hanson crucified. Runyon, played by Gary Oldman, is sigle-minded of purpose and will stop at nothing to get his wishes carried out. Using his influence, Runyon uncovers a sexual scandal in Hanson's past which will paint her to be nothing more than a whore who is unentitled to hold the second-highest position in the country.
Suddenly, people who knew Hanson years ago have come forward to give Congressional tesitimony about Hanson's involvement in an intense public sexual escapade, and can even provide photos of the event. President Evans, played with all of the correct charm and aloofness by Jeff Bridges, is enraged by the attempts by Runyon to take away what Evans sees as his legacy to his office in his last term- the appointment of the first female Vice President. Evans refuses to back down from Runyon and takes him on both with both political powers and with the media.
The interesting thing about this film is that it mirrors much of what the real political world is about and who has power over whom. It is because of this that we do not see Runyon diving for cover under the anger of the President because he knows that with his friends and influence in the Congress, he stands every chance of thwarting the President. Runyon takes on the wishes of the President without fear and it is made clear that there is more for the President to fear from Runyon's influence than Runyon has to fear from the President. The best way for the President to tackle the accusations pointed at Hanson is for Hanson to deny the accusations firmly with the press.
The only problem is that Hanson refuses to address the issue at all. She will not defend herself, she will not speak about the scandal at all, and insists that any questions to her be addressed in a manner concerning her abilities to hold office and her stance on issues. In short, she remains adrift in a sea of scandal refusing to take on the issue as she does not see where it has merit pertaining to her abilities. But the public is rocked with the accusations, confessions of old friends, and photos, and just as in real life they pander for more.
Mark my words, Joan Allen WILL be nominated for an Oscar this year, and I will be very surprised if Gary Oldman is not up for one of the little gold men, too.
In playing Sentaor Hanson, Joan has a perfect vulnerability as a woman but the steely determination of a professional who refuses to be judged on anything but her political record. Is she guilty? Did she do it? We have to wait forever to find out, but the journey is worth it as we watch a woman that we can not help but admire insist on sticking to her principles, no matter what degradation and pain she is subjected to.
Oldman plays a part just as conflicted. As the strong Republican force against Hanson, we see Oldman's part what what it is- not in the least bit evil, but very willing to do whatever dirty deed must be done. Runyon is not out to take Hanson down because he is a bad person, or even because she is a Democrat, but because he believes that Hanson is just simply wrong for the job and he is concerned that this decision to let Hanson be the V.P. will hurt the country. But still, there is a scene with Runyon that contrasts the optimistic and visionary man he was against the morally comprimised man he now is. When Runyon's wife talks to him about all she has given up in life only to see Runyon become something he long ago hated, it is very touching. Mainly because we see that in politics Runyon has had no choice but to be the bulldog he has become, because the Democrats play dirty pool too. He had to become what he is in order to survive.
To the film's credit, it portrays BOTH sides of the political fence as above no tactic when the object of the game is to win. There is no good side or bad- just a really good woman caught in the fires of political reasoning. Illustrating this whole Idea quite well is the character of Kermit Newman. Newman is President Evans top advisor and is played in dead earnestness by Sam Elliot who fairly chews up the screen when he is on. Newman is a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy with a slavish loyalty to the president. Newman is above nothing and plays just as hard as Runyon to get what he wants.
This is about all of the film I care to give away as it really should be seen as spoiler free as possible. The best thing I can say about this film would not scratch the surface of how good I felt it was. Rarely do I leave a movie without some kind of bitch about something, but when the film's credit's rolled there was a standing ovation in the theater and that is it's best selling point to you all.
Mark me again as I say it- Joan Allen will be nominated, Gary Oldman has got his first real chance at the gold, and I'd be surprised if the script does not get a nod as well. I hope this has not been too long, but in leaving all I can say is do yourself a favor and see this film- everyone else sure as hell will.
Thanks,
Lasher
