The Candidate   

By Tom Keogh

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.

Academy Awards

The Candidate received an Academy Award for Writing (Best Story and Screenplay based on factual material or material not previously published; Jeremy Larner). The Candidate also received an Academy Awards nomination for Sound (Richard Portman and Gene Cantamessa).

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"It is I believe Redfords 2nd best performance (behind the Natural) There is alot of sub-plot in the movie I don't understand especially his wifes coldness towards him anyone have an idea??" --firefighter with alot of time on his hands