The Contender

2000 Drama

The hard-ball gamesmanship and casual character assassination of American politics sets the stage for this thriller from writer and director Rod Lurie. When the Vice President of the United States unexpectedly dies, all eyes in Washington D.C. are on President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) as he chooses a new VP. Sen. Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), a respected career politician enjoying a new swell of popularity after a well-publicized attempt to save a drowning woman, is expected to be Evans' choice, but instead he picks Sen. Laine Hanson (Joan Allen), a decision that raises eyebrows on both sides of the political fence. Veteran power broker Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman) is vehemently opposed to Hanson's appointment, in part because the Democratic senator was once a Republican, and vows to do everything in his power to prevent her from being confirmed. Runyon and his staff start digging for dirt on Hanson, and soon make a surprising discovery -- her personal morality is called into question when it's alleged that she took part in a group sexual liaison while she was a college student. The Contender also stars Mike Binder as one of Hanson's advisors, Mariel Hemingway as an old friend with a surprising secret, Christian Slater as an ambitious congressmen assisting Runyon, and Philip Baker Hall as Hanson's father; it was the second feature from former film critic Rod Lurie. more..

Director: Rod Lurie

Starring: Joan Allen,Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, Sam Elliott

Reviews

  • One of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • It's an intelligent and informed look at the preposterous ways our leaders are often picked and sabotaged.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

  • Thoroughly engrossing.

    Bob Graham - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • Engages in the cinematic equivalent of not inhaling.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

  • Compelling and provocative -- though not memorable.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role

    Academy Awards (2001)

     
  • Favorite Actress - Drama

    Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (2001)

     
  • Rod Lurie

    Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2001)

  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Drama

    Casting Society of America (2001)

     
  • Best Actress

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2001)