Review of The Candidate (1972) by Curtis W — 20 Jul 2004
Effective political drama. I really felt the claustrophic intensity, especially when the candidate (Robert Redford) was in a big shopping mall giving a speech. He would look up and all he could see were scowling faces.
The debate was cool. The incumbent Republican Senator sat there all polished and smarmy, with his smooth, pat answers. Redford, a combination Clinton-Kennedy-Kerry, a young buck, shooting from hip. And hip when he shoots.
There were times when I felt it didn't go deep enough into the character's personal life. Felt shortchanged there. Like when he stiffed a machine political operative. He's seen walking out of his hotel room, just after a young woman had emerged. What the heck was that about? I guess it's the 1970s, so it was something best left unsaid to the ratings board.
Peter Boyle was great, as always, as the campaign manager. I also enjoyed the media guy with his hammer and hard candies.
Then there was the ending. Just blew me away. I've felt like that sometimes. You work and work to achieve. Then the end comes. Now what?
This review of The Candidate (1972) was written by Curtis W on 20 Jul 2004.
The Candidate has generally received positive reviews.
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