The Contender (movie)
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- For the reality television series of the same name, see The Contender (television series).
The Contender (2000) is a disturbing political thriller directed by Rod Lurie about a Democratic President who, in the wake of his Vice President's death, is seeking the confirmation of his replacement. President Evans considers nominating a loyal governor, Jack Hathaway, to the position. However, when Hathaway witnesses a car drive off a bridge, tries to save the driver and fails, the President drops him, claiming that his admininstration can't afford another Chappaquiddick. The President then taps a talented female Senator as his running mate, only to see her accused of sexual immorality by Republicans, possibly with the help of his first choice for VP. Refusing to dignify the ever-escalating attacks with a response, the Vice-Presidential nominee poses a tough question: would having adventuresome sex as a college student even be an issue at all if she were a man? This movie is in many ways a depiction of a modern-day witchhunt.
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Cast and characters
- Gary Oldman as Rep. Sheldon Runyon. Runyon is a conservative Republican who leads the attack on the nominee, namely by leaking rumors on the Internet, overseeing accusations of prostitution, and challenging the nominee's liberal position on abortion. He is not an entirely monstrous villain, however, in that he fought to recognize hate crimes as a federal crime. His opposition to the nominee might not be motivated by sexism but rather by genuine concerns about her competence, as well as a desire for revenge on the President.
- Joan Allen as Sen. Laine Hanson. The nominee for Vice President. She is a Republican-turned-Democrat who fiercely guards her privacy, although it is later revealed the rumours surrounding her personal life are false.
- Jeff Bridges as President Jackson Evans. In the DVD commentary, Lurie explained the President does not have a confrontational personality, but relies on his charm to achieve his aims.
- Christian Slater as Rep. Reginald Webster. A Democrat who allies with Runyon to defeat the nominee. He later allies with the President.
- William Petersen as Governor Jack Hathaway. A popular Democrat and the President's heir-apparent. He has good relations with Runyon and is Runyon's preference for the Vice Presidency.
- Kathryn Morris as Special Agent Paige Willomina.
Tagline
"Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot."
Quotes
- Shelly Runyon: We're both sticking to our guns. The difference is, mine are loaded.
- William Hanson: Yeah, being the vice president is better than being the president.
President Evans: Oh, I'm sure you're right.
Dennis Hanson: Cause nobody wants to shoot the vice president.
Reaction
According to Rotten Tomatoes, a majority of film critics endorsed The Contender. Among the majority is Roger Ebert, who called it "one of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing." On the other hand, John Anderson of Newsday referred to it as "Inane and dishonest." The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards, namely for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
The film has also been the subject of some controversy, as some viewers see it as liberal propaganda. The accusation stems from the fact that the President and Senator Hanson, the primary protagonists, are both liberal Democrats, and the primary antagonist is the Republican Runyon, played by Oldman. The controversy overlooks the obvious fact that Governor Hathaway, a Democrat, is criminally responsible for the drowning, and Webster, another Democrat, allies with Runyon, although Webster eventually returns to the President's side. Additionally, Hanson's father is a Republican who receives favourable treatment. Nevertheless, Oldman, who is a conservative, criticized the final product.