The Candidate
Samantha, a hard working modern woman who, because of a chance encounter with senatorial candidate Frank Carlton, is offered a job by conniving campaign runner Eric aiming to work for the prospective senator. She agrees and we are then shown the complicated way various relationships shape the campaign and how it all falls apart.
Insights
Plot Summary
A charismatic but morally ambiguous lawyer is convinced by his father-in-law to run for the U.S. Senate, despite his own lack of political interest. As he navigates the treacherous waters of campaigning, he finds himself increasingly compromised by the ruthless tactics required to win, forcing him to question his own integrity and the true meaning of public service. The film explores the corrupting nature of power and the sacrifices one must make for ambition.
Critical Reception
The Candidate was met with mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its timely exploration of political cynicism and the moral compromises inherent in campaigning. While some found its tone uneven, the performances, particularly from Melvyn Douglas, were widely lauded. The film resonated with audiences for its frank depiction of the realities behind the political machine.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sharp, cynical look at the political process.
- Melvyn Douglas delivers a compelling and nuanced performance.
- The film's moral ambiguity effectively captures the compromises of ambition.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's prescient commentary on the often-unpleasant realities of political campaigning and the erosion of idealism. Viewers appreciated its straightforward, unvarnished portrayal of ambition and its consequences.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a 1958 novel of the same name by Eugene Burdick.
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