Amazon.com essential video: 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
- Thought-Provoking
- That's my Stepdad!!!