Review of Election (2005) by Rebecca H — 02 Nov 2008

A highly intelligent and witty story about a high school election, told from four perspectives, psychotic over-achiever Tracy (Reese Witherspoon), caring but cynical teacher Mr McAllister (Matthew Broderick), nice but dim sports star Paul (Chris Klein) and lesbian under-achiever Tammy (Jessica Campbell), each given surprisingly excellent performances by the actors.

Election is extremely watchable due to fun direction and a razor sharp script, with its four unreliable narrators and a plot that ties up neatly.

However, the comedy is so black, and Tracy's triumph so horrifically inevitable, it can be slightly uncomfortable to watch as the bitter events unfold. The sex and porn scenes are unnecessary; is this a side to Jim McAllister that needs to be seen? It feels like an attempt to make sure the audience doesn't get too fond of Jim, who is still the main character despite three competing narrations. In this vein, the Linda plot was excruciating to watch once I knew where it was going. Why is Jim so obsessed with her? Fair enough, his marriage is loveless, but what is so appealing about Linda? Although his home life disintegrating, and being stung in the eye by a bee are there to physicalise the stress Jim is under, it does feel a little like Jim's revenge on Tracy has more to do with him having a bad day than a genuine desire to take her down a peg after everything he has seen her do.

Clever, witty and fun, Election is a highly polished gem, but the nastiness running through the plot does leave a bitter aftertaste.