The Contender
Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot.
"The most controversial movie in years," claims Joel Siegel of Good Morning America.
Power comes at a stunning price, in this electrifying thriller that features riveting performances by an all-star cast. The vice president is dead, and as the president (Jeff Bridges) makes his choice for a replacement, a secret contest of wills is being waged by a formidable rival (Gary Oldman). When Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) is nominated as the first woman in history to hold the office, hidden agendas explode into a battle for power.
Critics rave that The Contender is "the most important American film in years...a remarkably powerful and provocative thriller," (Jeff Craig, Sixty Second Preview).
Member Reviews
Riveting Look at American Politics - c4th
In The Contender, director Rod Lurie brings us a riveting political drama that looks at the tenacity with which the American system scrutinizes those running for high office.
In this fictional account, things get nasty as players try to advance their own agendas. The President (Jeff Bridges) is trying to create his legacy by appointing the first woman to the vice president position. The head of the screening committee (Gary Oldman) is flexing political muscle to discredit the president’s choice. His sandbagging manoeuvres bring forth scandalous accusations about the appointee’s past in hopes of replacing her with a more conservative choice.
Joan Allen turns in one the finest performances of her career as Laine Hanson who, in the face of personal attack and accusation, stands by her principals of secularism and individual privacy. Jeff Bridges creates a convincing persona for President Jackson Evans. Gary Oldman seems to be the overlooked actor here. Although Allen and Bridges received numerous award nominations, he received minimal recognition for his superb portrayal of the unrelenting Shelly Runyon.
Great script writing from Lurie delivered by an accomplished cast make this a superb political drama that keeps your attention while making its points. Lurie could not have come up with a better ending. It is the best I’ve seen in a political drama.Exciting political thriller with some great performances. - estefan
An interesting political drama with some truly great actors at the front. Joan Allen gives an impressive performance in the title role, truly embodying her character and once again proving how ridiculous that the Academy went with Julia Roberts's average work in Erin Brockovich as the best of that year. Jeff Bridges also becomes one of filmdom's greatest presidents with his performance here. His speech at the end of the film is especially riveting. The last couple of Presidents (Bush I + II, Clinton, Reagen) and the future one (Obama) wish they could deliver speeches like that. Gary Oldman and Christian Slater also do fine work. I also have to give credit to the camera-work, moving through hallways and showing a character both on and off-screen with impressive movement and lighting. The script is well-written with an ending that comes out of nowhere and doesn't feel just placed there for new dramatic effect. An impressive film for anybody interested in the back-yard games of American politics.Intense Politicking - eoguy
Great movie that flies by. I couldn't believe it was two hours when it ended. Wonderful story of how Washington insiders work. It includes all the leveraging, petty squabbles, and payback that is fascinating to watch in politics.
Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges are great and Gary Oldman and Sam Elliott are amazing in their supporting roles.
Great DVD extras including commentary from the director as well as Ms Allen. The ending was a little Hollywood for me, and if the final moments were stronger, it would have registered a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend this film.
Member Reviews
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Riveting Look at American Politics - c4th
In The Contender, director Rod Lurie brings us a riveting political drama that looks at the tenacity with which the American system scrutinizes those running for high office.
In this fictional account, things get nasty as players try to advance their ...Exciting political thriller with some great performances. - estefan
An interesting political drama with some truly great actors at the front. Joan Allen gives an impressive performance in the title role, truly embodying her character and once again proving how ridiculous that the Academy went with Julia Roberts's average work ...Intense Politicking - eoguy
Great movie that flies by. I couldn't believe it was two hours when it ended. Wonderful story of how Washington insiders work. It includes all the leveraging, petty squabbles, and payback that is fascinating to watch in politics.
Joan Allen and Jeff ...