The Contender Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman *might* have had some fun in college, and now a bunch of old dudes in suits are *really* mad about it, leading to a political circus.

🍿 The Contender: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Nomination and Controversy

Following the sudden death of the Vice President, President Jackson Evans nominates Senator Laine Hanson as his replacement, seeking to leave a legacy by appointing a woman to the role. Hanson, a former Republican turned Democrat, faces immediate scrutiny and resistance from Republican Congressman Shelly Runyon, who heads the confirmation committee.

Runyon’s Investigation

Runyon launches a relentless investigation into Hanson’s past, uncovering allegations of her involvement in a college orgy. He uses these allegations to publicly question her moral character and suitability for the Vice Presidency. Hanson refuses to address the rumors, arguing that her private life is irrelevant to her qualifications.

Political Maneuvering

The film delves into the political strategies and personal sacrifices involved in the confirmation process. As Runyon attempts to derail Hanson’s nomination, President Evans stands by his choice, facing intense pressure from his own party and the media. The story explores themes of sexism, privacy, and the ruthless nature of politics.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laine Hanson (Joan Allen): A principled senator nominated for Vice President whose past is scrutinized during her confirmation process.
• Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman): The Republican Confirmation Committee Chairman who aggressively investigates Laine Hanson’s past.
• President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges): The Democratic President who nominates Laine Hanson for Vice President and supports her amidst controversy.
• Reginald Webster (Christian Slater): An ambitious young congressman who is enlisted to investigate Senator Hanson’s past.
• Kermit Newman (Sam Elliott): A political aid to President Evans who navigates the scandals surrounding Hanson’s nomination.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laine Hanson: “But principles only mean something if you stick by them when they’re inconvenient.” – Hanson explains why she won’t compromise her principles, even when under intense pressure.
• Shelly Runyon: “What I say the American people will believe. And do you know why? Because I will have a very big microphone in front of me.” – Runyon cynically describes how he intends to manipulate public opinion against Hanson.
• President Jackson Evans: “You have no shame, do you?” – The President confronts Runyon about his relentless and unethical attacks on Senator Hanson.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,872,723
• Worldwide Gross: $22,428,990

💥 The Contender Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely hooked by ‘The Contender’! The way it portrays the ruthless nature of politics kept me on the edge of my seat. Seeing Joan Allen stand her ground against all that scrutiny was truly inspiring. That moment when Jeff Bridges delivers his final speech? Goosebumps. It made me think about what we demand from our leaders and if it’s fair. Definitely one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political dramas and thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in strong female leads”
  • “Those who enjoy films with complex moral dilemmas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to sexual allegations”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Discussions of suicide and drowning”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “For fans craving political intrigue, ‘The Contender’ offers a compelling narrative. It explores the intense scrutiny and challenges faced by a female politician, creating a thrilling experience as she navigates the cutthroat world of Washington D.C.
• N/A: “‘The Contender’ dives deep into the ugly side of politics with sharp wit. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of a calculated political operator is riveting, bringing a chilling authenticity to the role.

Audience Reactions

Joan Allen’s powerful performance as Laine Hanson is captivating and inspiring.: Most viewers loved the film’s exploration of gender dynamics and the media’s impact on political campaigns.

Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of the President brings a unique blend of gravitas and charm.: The film’s realistic portrayal of political maneuvering was frequently praised.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Contender’ is a gripping political drama with stellar performances that sparks important conversations about ethics, privacy, and gender in politics.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Actress)- 2001

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gary Oldman and co-producer Douglas Urbanski complained that the film was changed from a more balanced script by DreamWorks to reflect the studio head’s liberal politics.”
• “Rod Lurie, the writer and director, was a former film critic for the Los Angeles Times.”
• “The film draws parallels to the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, examining the scrutiny of a politician’s personal life.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Contender?

The Contender is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Contender, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): Explores political intrigue and the uncovering of a scandal through investigative journalism.
• The American President (1995): Focuses on the personal and political challenges faced by a US president, blending romance with policy.
• Lincoln (2012): Depicts the intense political maneuvering required to pass a landmark piece of legislation.

🛒 The Contender Related Products

• The Contender: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the film’s dramatic moments with the full soundtrack, featuring powerful orchestral scores and the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ rendition. Enjoy the music that brought the scenes to life.
• Gary Oldman: A Biography: This biography chronicles the extraordinary career of Gary Oldman, delving into his transformative roles and his impact on cinema. Perfect for cinephiles who admire his versatility.
• The West Wing: Complete Series: For those who enjoy the political intrigue of ‘The Contender’, ‘The West Wing’ delivers a more in-depth and nuanced look at the inner workings of the White House.
• Presidential Decision Making: The Untold Story: Explore real-life presidential decisions with this detailed account. Perfect for gaining deeper insight into the challenges faced by world leaders.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ring Of Fire” – performed by Jeff Bridges and Kim Carnes

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Five Wet Monkeys

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to change the way things are done? Jeff Bridges tells a hilarious story from the movie about ‘Five Wet Monkeys’ that perfectly explains it. It’s super relatable and makes you think!

The Contender Reveal

Want to see a masterclass in political defiance? This scene from The Contender is powerful! Joan Allen as Laine Hanson explains why she refuses to deny the allegations, and it’s honestly a mic-drop moment.

✨ Rate