Election
Election

Election

1999Movie103 minEnglish

Tracy Flick is running unopposed for this year’s high school student election. But Jim McAllister has a different plan. Partly to establish a more democratic election, and partly to satisfy some deep personal anger toward Tracy, Jim talks football player Paul Metzler to run for president as well.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users91%
Director: Alexander PayneGenres: Comedy, Drama, Satire

Plot Summary

In a suburban high school, a driven and ambitious student, Tracy Flick, is determined to win the student council election. Her path is obstructed by a cynical and disillusioned history teacher, Jim McAllister, who takes a disliking to her and decides to secretly support an opposing candidate. This sets off a chain of events that exposes the absurdities and dark undercurrents of ambition, manipulation, and teenage life.

Critical Reception

Election was widely acclaimed by critics for its sharp writing, dark humor, and outstanding performances, particularly from Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. It is often cited as a standout dark comedy of the late 1990s, praised for its satirical look at the American education system and the nature of ambition.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its biting satire and dark humor.
  • Lauded for the performances of its lead actors.
  • Cited as a clever and thought-provoking commentary on ambition and high school politics.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise Election for its intelligent humor and sharp commentary on high school dynamics, with many highlighting Reese Witherspoon's breakout performance as a standout element. The film is often remembered for its realistic yet heightened portrayal of ambition and its often uncomfortable truths.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor also received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of Tracy Flick was inspired by a character in the 1955 film 'The Tender Trap'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
AnnS.

AnnS.

Aside from the comedy and political satire, it's a coming-of-age movie of a teenager and her teacher who goes in the opposite direction. Self-control, which is part of growing up is the main theme. Flick, who seems the essence of self-contr...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This early outing for Reese Witherspoon ("Tracy Flick") sees her desperate to become class President in her high school. Clever, ruthless and determined - she takes on all comers in her quest for success, and woe betide anyone who gets in h...
r96sk

r96sk

<em>'Election'</em> builds relatively slowly though really does become a fun movie by its conclusion. It's most definitely worth a watch. Matthew Broderick is excellent throughout, as are the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Chris Klein. T...
Wuchak

Wuchak

Amusing and compelling high school dramedy with Broderick and Witherspoon When a high achiever student (Reese Witherspoon) runs for president of the student body at her Omaha high school one of her teachers (Matthew Broderick) encourag...