Election Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teacher hates a student so much, he ruins his life and hers over a high school election, proving that democracy is just popularity with extra steps.

🍿 Election: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Unopposed Election

Tracy Flick, a highly ambitious and driven high school student, plans to run unopposed for student council president. She is determined to win and sees this as a crucial step towards her future political aspirations. Jim McAllister, a well-liked but increasingly disillusioned history teacher, finds Tracy’s overachieving nature grating, especially given her past involvement in a scandal that cost his friend his job and marriage. McAllister views Tracy as manipulative and undeserving.

Recruiting a Rival

Determined to thwart Tracy’s seemingly inevitable victory, McAllister convinces Paul Metzler, a popular but academically less inclined football player, to run against her. Paul is recovering from an injury and looking for a new way to contribute to the school. McAllister sees Paul as a more genuine and likeable candidate, despite his lack of political experience or ambition. This sets the stage for a contentious and increasingly absurd election campaign.

Chaos and Personal Downfall

As the election heats up, personal lives intertwine and unravel. Paul’s sister, Tammy, enters the race out of spite, further complicating the dynamic. McAllister’s personal life crumbles as he faces marital issues and makes increasingly questionable decisions, fueled by his obsession with stopping Tracy. The election becomes a microcosm of larger political themes, exploring ambition, corruption, and the lengths people will go to for power.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick): A well-liked high school teacher whose life unravels as he obsessively tries to thwart Tracy Flick’s ambition.
• Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon): An ambitious and overachieving high school student determined to win the student body election at any cost.
• Paul Metzler (Chris Klein): A good-natured but dim-witted jock who is convinced to run for student body president, becoming Tracy’s rival.
• Tammy Metzler (Jessica Campbell): Paul’s sardonic and rebellious lesbian sister, who also enters the election race out of spite and personal motives.
• Dave Novotny (Mark Harelik): A former teacher and Jim’s best friend who had an affair with Tracy Flick, leading to his dismissal.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tracy Flick: “I know some of you think I’m intensely annoying, but maybe that’s just because I’m so ambitious. ” – Tracy says this during her campaign speech, showcasing her awareness of her reputation and her unapologetic drive.
• Jim McAllister: “It’s just… sometimes you feel like you’re not even driving the bus.” – McAllister reflects on his lack of control over his life as things spiral out of control.
• Tammy Metzler: “I say we abolish the student government. What has it ever done for us?” – Tammy delivers this line during her rebellious campaign speech, resonating with student apathy.
• Tracy Flick: “I deserve it!” – This phrase encapsulates Tracy’s sense of entitlement and ambition, becoming a defining characteristic.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $14.9 million
• Worldwide Gross: $14.9 million

💥 Election Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Election’! Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Tracy Flick is iconic – you love to hate her. The movie perfectly captures the absurdity of high school politics and how seriously some people take it. I remember laughing out loud when Tammy gave her anti-election speech, it was so unexpected and refreshing. The ending, with Jim in New York, felt both satisfying and a little sad. Definitely a film I’ll watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in political satire”
  • “Those who appreciate sharp writing and acting”
  • “People who enjoy films set in high school but with mature themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some sexual content and references”
  • “Language”
  • “Thematic elements related to statutory relationships(handled satirically)”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A wickedly funny and insightful look at high school politics, with sharp performances by Broderick and Witherspoon. The film cleverly uses the election as a microcosm of larger societal issues.
• A.O. Scott: “Alexander Payne delivers a biting satire on ambition, morality, and the American Dream. Witherspoon is perfectly cast as the overachieving Tracy Flick, while Broderick shines as the resentful teacher.
• Lisa Schwarzbaum: “Election is smart, funny, and consistently engaging. Payne’s direction is sharp and the script is brilliant, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates clever and well-crafted cinema.

Audience Reactions

Reese Witherspoon’s performance as Tracy Flick is unforgettable and hilarious.: Viewers consistently praise Witherspoon’s acting and the film’s satirical take on high school and political ambition.

The film’s dark humor and sharp writing make it a standout in the high school comedy genre.: Audiences appreciate the movie’s intelligent and witty script, which offers a cynical yet relatable view of human nature.

Overall Consensus: Election is a critically acclaimed dark comedy celebrated for its sharp satire, excellent performances, and insightful commentary on ambition and politics.

Awards

1. MTV Movie Award (Best Comedic Performance)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alexander Payne cast many non-actors from the Omaha area, where he grew up, to play supporting roles, adding to the film’s realistic feel.”
• “The novel ‘Election’ by Tom Perrotta was not yet published when Payne acquired the rights. He worked from a manuscript.”
• “The film’s ending was debated, with some wanting a more conclusive resolution for Tracy Flick. Payne opted for a more ambiguous, satirical finale.”

🖥️ How to Watch Election?

Election is available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ (subscription required). It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Election, you might like these similar films:

• Rushmore (1998): Both films explore the quirky and competitive world of high school with darkly comedic elements and unconventional protagonists.
• Heathers (1988): Similar in its darkly satirical take on high school social dynamics and the lengths people go to for power and popularity.
• Thank You for Smoking (2005): Shares the theme of satirical commentary on ethics and manipulation in politics and public relations, albeit in a different setting.
• Mean Girls (2004): A modern high school comedy that explores social hierarchies and ruthless ambition, appealing to fans of ‘Election’s’ sharp wit.

🛒 Election Related Products

• Election (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition of ‘Election’ from The Criterion Collection, featuring restored picture and sound, bonus interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and essays, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
• Tracy Flick Gets Revenge by Tom Perrotta: Tom Perrotta revisits his iconic character, Tracy Flick, in this sequel novel. Dive back into the world of ambition, politics, and small-town drama.
• Election Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater, office, or dorm room. Captures the film’s satirical and comedic tone.
• Tracy Flick 2024 T-Shirt: A T-shirt featuring the slogan “Tracy Flick 2024”, perfect for fans of the film who want to make a political statement with a touch of humor. A funny tribute to the original film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Election features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Jody Grind” – performed by Horace Silver
• “Tribute to the Conductor” – performed by Rolfe Kent
• “Lo Boob Oscillator” – performed by Stereolab

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Larry Causes His Friend to Lose Election

Have you ever not voted in an election and then regretted it? Larry in this clip from [Movie Title] faces that exact problem.

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