The Candidate (1972)

Michael Ritchie's 1972 drama about a political idealist (Robert Redford) recruited to make a run for the Senate is still engrossing and still a terribly accurate reflection of the contemporary campaign process. In one of his trademark roles as a man haunted by some shadow of inauthenticity (see Downhill Racer, The Natural, The Great Gatsby, Sneakers, and such), Redford is superb as a first-time candidate watching his values and control over his message disappear in the age of TV-friendly prefabrication. Peter Boyle is ideal as his clearheaded campaign manager, Allen Garfield is effectively creepy as a media strategist, and Melvyn Douglas makes a memorable appearance as a retired politico whose endorsement is gold. Highly recommended. The DVD release includes production notes, theatrical trailer, Dolby sound, and optional Spanish, French, and English subtitles. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

Thought-Provoking

During the season leading up to the 2008 Presidential Elections, this film raises some interesting questions about the role of the media in shaping who we believe politicians are. After this, and similar films, one has to wonder about the reality of the men being considered for the country's highest office. October 18, 2008

That's my Stepdad!!!

In the movie, The Candidate,
there is a scene early in the film, during the campaign,under a real San Francisco overcast sky, The Candidate, Robert Redford faces a gaggle local reporters
including KGO channel 7 (!) Amongst the actors playing security personnel theres' a rather handsome silver haired guy standing close to Mr. Redford's right shoulder.
Its a bit part but in real life it is a big high for
myself and my family - that guy is Bill Tuohy - my Stepfather. In real life he was a highly ranked San Francisco Firefigher whose hobbies ranged from competing in the San Francisco Fireman's Olympics to landing little acting parts now and then. At home he never ran out love and affection for me and my sisters. So easy going.
Can't wait to see him in the movie on DVD

Love you, Bill October 18, 2008

Imagine this - if you can...

A young lawyer working among the disadvantaged decides to run for national office. Though a neophyte he has style and authencity. Despite his lack of specifics - and because of his stirring oratory - his unlikely campaign is on the verge of unseating a white haired, Conservative senator who the most glamorous of pseudo-liberals and the collegiate young will tell you is the pits. Meanwhile, the young man is meeting the big money people behind closed doors, and whatever "ideas" he once had are being diluted. He wins, turns to his advisors and asks, "What do we do now?"

I hope a certain candidate running this year is better than this, but I wonder...


September 1, 2008

History Repeats

Since Kennedy and TV, marketing and the press do much to help elect our president. Image, TV presence, and passion (and money) seem to qualify our candidates for high office, as shown in this film. I commend the writers (and actors) for their political saavy in the production of this film. Could we not replace Redford with Obama? June 9, 2008

MITT ROMNEY?

Redford in his prime was hard to beat; on the screen or in this film. The California Democrats have no one to run against 3 term incumdent Crocker Jarman for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Redford reluclantly agrees, on the provision that he be allowed to be "his own man". Even his father, a former Republican Governor, refuses to endorse him at first. But Redford's good looks, his ability to simply address complicated problems, his political virginity are exacyly the issues that attract the voters. Enter the "experts", exit Redford's principles. He watches, almost helplessly,as his"friends" work for him, and on him on how to win, abeted by his father's background experiences. The candidate, exhausted by the grind, almost loses himself in giddyness, only to be saved by the authenticity of mass support. His eventual upset win leads to one of Hollywood's great movie one-liners. The paucity of reviews for this and other outstanding movies of the past, all indicate to me the seeming meaninglessness of history today.Too bad! Since the "victors" are always alleged to write it, why not investigate how the victors did it? February 23, 2008

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