Written by Filide Lemoine
Modified & Updated: 10 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
The Candidate is a critically acclaimed political drama film that was released in 1972. Directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford, the movie tells the story of Bill McKay, a young and idealistic lawyer who is persuaded to run for the U.S. Senate by a shrewd political advisor.
Set against the backdrop of a hotly contested election, The Candidate explores the challenges and compromises faced by candidates as they navigate the world of politics. With its thought-provoking storyline, stellar performances, and timely themes, the film quickly became a standout in the genre.
In this article, we will delve into 36 fascinating facts about The Candidate, shedding light on its production, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and its enduring impact on the world of cinema.
Key Takeaways:
- “The Candidate” is a timeless political drama that offers a realistic and thought-provoking look into the world of politics, challenging conventional Hollywood norms and providing a fresh perspective on political storytelling.
- Robert Redford’s portrayal of Bill McKay, an idealistic lawyer turned political candidate, earned widespread acclaim, showcasing his versatility and range as a performer, and solidifying his status as a leading actor in the industry.
The Candidate was directed by Michael Ritchie.
Michael Ritchie, known for his exceptional work in the film industry, helmed this masterpiece.
Robert Redford starred as the lead character, Bill McKay.
Robert Redford’s portrayal of Bill McKay, an idealistic lawyer turned political candidate, was widely applauded by critics and audiences alike.
“The Candidate” won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The screenplay, penned by Jeremy Larner, received critical acclaim and ultimately won an Academy Award.
The movie follows the story of a young lawyer who decides to run for the Senate.
Bill McKay, played by Robert Redford, embarks on a political journey that challenges his values and ideals.
“The Candidate” offers a realistic portrayal of the American political landscape.
The movie delves into the complexities and compromises necessary to navigate the world of politics.
“The Candidate” presents an insightful critique of political campaigns.
Through its narrative, the movie sheds light on the manipulative nature of political campaigns and their impact on candidates.
The film’s release coincided with the 1972 United States presidential election.
The timely release of “The Candidate” added to its cultural significance and resonance.
“The Candidate” was praised for its realistic and non-idealized portrayal of politics.
The movie steered away from clichés and offered a raw and authentic look into the world of politics.
Robert Redford was initially hesitant to take on the role of Bill McKay.
Redford was known for his aversion to political roles but eventually agreed to star in the movie after being drawn to the script’s complexity.
The movie was shot on location in California.
Many of the scenes in “The Candidate” were filmed in various real-life political settings, adding to the film’s authenticity.
Michael Ritchie used real-life politicians and campaign workers as extras in the film.
This decision further enhanced the movie’s realism and gave it an additional layer of authenticity.
The dialogue in “The Candidate” is known for its sharp wit and clever exchanges.
The screenplay’s strong writing and brilliant performances by the cast brought the dialogue to life.
“The Candidate” explores the themes of political idealism and compromise.
The movie raises thought-provoking questions about the sacrifices politicians make in the pursuit of power.
“The Candidate” has been praised for its relevance in today’s political climate.
Despite being released decades ago, the movie’s themes and messages continue to resonate with audiences today.
At the time of its release, “The Candidate” was considered a groundbreaking and daring film.
The movie challenged conventional Hollywood norms and provided a fresh perspective on political storytelling.
The ending of “The Candidate” is deliberately open-ended.
The film’s conclusion leaves the fate of Bill McKay up for interpretation, allowing viewers to reflect on the complexities of the political landscape.
“The Candidate” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release.
Critics praised the film for its nuanced storytelling, powerful performances, and timely social commentary.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $44 million globally.
The Candidate” struck a chord with audiences and became a box office hit.
The film’s poster features Robert Redford holding a campaign button with the word “Vote.”
This iconic image captured the essence of the movie’s political theme and became an enduring symbol associated with “The Candidate.”
“The Candidate” marked Robert Redford’s first collaboration with director Michael Ritchie.
This partnership would go on to create several more successful films in the future.
Michael Ritchie drew inspiration from his own experiences working on political campaigns.
His insider knowledge brought an added layer of authenticity to the film and its depiction of the campaign trail.
“The Candidate” was critically acclaimed for its ensemble cast.
In addition to Robert Redford, the movie features exceptional performances from Peter Boyle, Melvyn Douglas, and many others.
The movie’s soundtrack, composed by John Rubinstein, perfectly captures the film’s mood.
The music adds depth and emotion to the story, enhancing the viewer’s overall experience.
“The Candidate” received four Academy Award nominations.
In addition to winning Best Original Screenplay, the film was also nominated for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Supporting Actor for Melvyn Douglas.
The movie’s script went through multiple revisions before filming began.
Jeremy Larner’s screenplay underwent extensive development to ensure its strong narrative and realistic portrayal of politics.
“The Candidate” inspired a generation of filmmakers to delve into political storytelling.
The movie’s impact can be felt in subsequent films that explore similar themes and storylines.
The film’s title, “The Candidate,” serves as a metaphor for the broader political landscape.
It asks viewers to consider who truly holds the power and influence in the world of politics.
“The Candidate” continues to be studied and analyzed in film schools around the world.
Its enduring legacy can be attributed to its powerful storytelling and timeless themes.
Robert Redford’s commitment to his role in “The Candidate” extended beyond acting.
He actively participated in fundraising events for the movie and campaigned for support among his industry peers.
The success of “The Candidate” helped solidify Robert Redford’s status as a leading actor.
The film showcased his versatility and range as a performer, earning him further acclaim in the industry.
“The Candidate” challenges conventional notions of success in politics.
It encourages viewers to question whether winning an election is the ultimate measure of achievement for a political candidate.
The movie’s screenplay was inspired by Jeremy Larner’s personal experiences in politics.
As someone who had worked on political campaigns, Larner drew from real-life events to craft the story.
“The Candidate” features compelling and memorable campaign speeches.
These powerful moments showcase both the charisma and vulnerability of the film’s characters.
The film’s success led to a surge in interest in political-themed movies.
“The Candidate” paved the way for future films that explore the inner workings of politics and campaign strategies.
The movie’s ending left a lasting impact on audiences.
Viewers were left pondering the complexities of politics and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of power.
“The Candidate” has become ingrained in popular culture as a classic political drama.
Its enduring legacy continues to spark discussions and debates surrounding politics and the pursuit of power.
In conclusion, “The Candidate” remains a landmark film that challenges our perceptions of politics and campaigns. With its timeless themes, powerful performances, and thought-provoking narrative, the movie continues to captivate audiences to this day. Whether you’re a fan of political dramas or simply appreciate exceptional filmmaking, “The Candidate” is a must-see for any movie lover.
Conclusion
With its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes, The Candidate has cemented its place as a classic in the realm of political dramas. From its captivating plot twists to its captivating characters, this film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film also presents a compelling exploration of the ethical dilemmas and compromises that arise in the world of politics, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of campaigns and elections.
Furthermore, The Candidate provides a timeless commentary on the nature of power and the corrupting influence of politics. Its realistic portrayal of the campaign process sheds light on the sacrifices and compromises individuals must make in order to pursue their ambitions. The film’s relevance continues to resonate today, reminding viewers of the enduring importance of integrity and authenticity in the political landscape.
In conclusion, The Candidate is a must-see movie that combines gripping storytelling with powerful performances. Whether you’re a political junkie or simply a lover of quality cinema, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
Q: Who directed The Candidate?
A: The Candidate was directed by Michael Ritchie.
Q: When was The Candidate released?
A: The film was released in 1972.
Q: Who stars in The Candidate?
A: The film stars Robert Redford in the lead role, alongside Peter Boyle and Melvyn Douglas.
Q: Is The Candidate based on a true story?
A: No, The Candidate is a fictional story, although it offers a realistic portrayal of the American political landscape.
Q: What is the running time of The Candidate?
A: The film has a running time of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Q: Has The Candidate won any awards?
A: Yes, The Candidate was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Q: Can I stream The Candidate online?
A: The availability of streaming options for The Candidate may vary, but it is often available on popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Q: Is The Candidate suitable for all ages?
A: The film is rated PG-13, meaning it may contain some material that is not suitable for young children.
Q: Does The Candidate provide any commentary or insights into real-life politics?
A: Yes, The Candidate offers a critical examination of the political process, highlighting the challenges and compromises inherent in politics.
Q: How does The Candidate compare to other political movies?
A: The Candidate is often regarded as one of the best political movies of all time, thanks to its gripping narrative and Robert Redford’s stellar performance.
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