The Front Runner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A senator tells the press to follow him around, then gets mad when they do and find out he’s up to no good; ruining his chances at becoming president and proving that sometimes, your mom was right: actions have consequences.

🍿 The Front Runner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rise of Gary Hart

In 1987, Senator Gary Hart of Colorado emerges as the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. He’s charismatic, intelligent, and seen as a fresh face in American politics. His campaign focuses on new ideas and appeals to a younger demographic, positioning him as a strong candidate against the established political order. He’s portrayed as confident and eager to challenge the norms of political campaigning.

The Scandal Breaks

The film quickly shifts gears as rumors of an extramarital affair begin to swirl around Hart. Miami Herald reporters begin investigating a potential relationship between Hart and Donna Rice, a young woman they spot with the Senator. These early accusations are initially dismissed by Hart and his campaign staff, who believe they can weather the storm. The media’s increasing focus on Hart’s personal life begins to overshadow his political platform.

The Media Frenzy and Campaign Implosion

As more evidence emerges, the scandal intensifies, leading to a full-blown media frenzy. Photos of Hart with Rice surface, and the story dominates news cycles. Hart’s campaign struggles to control the narrative, and his attempts to address the allegations are met with skepticism. Ultimately, the relentless media scrutiny and mounting pressure force Hart to make a difficult decision about his presidential aspirations. The film highlights the rapid decline of his campaign amidst the scandal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman): A charismatic but flawed U.S. Senator whose presidential aspirations are destroyed by a scandalous affair.
• Lee Hart (Vera Farmiga): Gary Hart’s wife, who must grapple with the public humiliation and personal betrayal of her husband’s actions.
• Bill Dixon (J.K. Simmons): Hart’s campaign manager, struggling to keep the campaign on track amidst the unfolding scandal.
• Donna Rice (Sara Paxton): The young woman whose relationship with Gary Hart becomes the center of a media frenzy.
• AJ Parker (Mamoudou Athie): A Washington Post reporter wrestling with the ethical implications of covering Hart’s personal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bill Dixon: “We’re talking about how you get through today without pissing away everything we’ve all worked for on this campaign! If you lose this, we can kiss the White House goodbye.” – Bill Dixon expresses his frustration and worry about Gary Hart’s behavior jeopardizing the campaign.
• Gary Hart: “Follow me around.” – Hart challenges the press to follow him, a decision that backfires spectacularly when his affair is exposed.
• Ann Devroy: “Anyone running for president must be held to a higher standard.” – A journalist at the Washington Post argues that a candidate’s character is crucial, even if their policies are sound.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,000,105
• Worldwide Gross: $3,242,235

💥 The Front Runner Reviews

Personal Review

I remember the Gary Hart scandal vaguely from when I was a kid, but seeing it played out on screen in ‘The Front Runner’ was surprisingly captivating. Hugh Jackman nails the role, capturing Hart’s charisma and his eventual downfall. I found myself strangely sympathetic to Hart, even though I knew he messed up. The movie made me think about the role of the media in politics and how much we really need to know about a candidate’s personal life. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking film that left me pondering long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in political history”
  • “Fans of Hugh Jackman”
  • “Those fascinated by media scandals”
  • “People who enjoy dramas based on true events”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Discussion of infidelity”
  • “Implied sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Gold Derby: “Jason Reitman directs Hugh Jackman in this retelling of the Gary Hart scandal. While Jackman delivers a strong performance, the film struggles to find a clear focus, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunity. The supporting cast is excellent, but the overall narrative feels somewhat diluted, focusing more on the media frenzy than the man himself.
• FandomWire: “The Front Runner portrays Gary Hart’s downfall. While technically sound and featuring a strong central performance by Hugh Jackman, the film fails to engage emotionally, leaving viewers disconnected. The narrative struggles to balance political commentary with personal drama, creating a somewhat unsatisfying experience.

Audience Reactions

Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Gary Hart was exceptional and believable.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to explore the complexities of the scandal and the changing landscape of political journalism.

Overall Consensus: While praised for its performances, particularly Hugh Jackman’s, ‘The Front Runner’ received mixed reviews due to its lack of clear focus and inability to fully engage with the complexities of the Gary Hart scandal.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot using only technology available in the 1980s to enhance the authenticity of the era.”
• “Jason Reitman chose to focus on the week the scandal broke, highlighting the immediate and intense media scrutiny.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Front Runner?

As of October 2024, “The Front Runner” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as services may vary by region. You may also find it available through cable on-demand services. For physical media collectors, DVD and Blu-ray copies are usually available for purchase from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Front Runner, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): Focuses on investigative journalism and political scandal, detailing the unraveling of the Watergate affair.
• Game Change (2012): Explores the behind-the-scenes drama of a presidential campaign and the impact of media scrutiny.
• Primary Colors (1998): A fictionalized account of a presidential campaign that explores themes of ambition, scandal, and the compromises made in pursuit of power.
• Spotlight (2015): Illustrates the power of investigative journalism to uncover hidden truths and hold powerful institutions accountable.

🛒 The Front Runner Related Products

• All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid: Matt Bai’s book that the movie is based on. Get the full story, more insights and details that film couldn’t capture.
• 1980s Political Button Set: A collection of political buttons from the 1980s. Authentic items that add a piece of history to your collection.
• 1980s Retro Style Aviator Sunglasses: Recreate the iconic 80s look with these Retro sunglasses, perfect for any fan of the era.
• Gary Hart for President – Vintage T-Shirt: Retro Gary Hart campaign t-shirt, ideal for any fan of the movie or 1980s political history.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Salute to the President” – performed by Henry Mancini

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hugh Jackman on Portraying Gary Hart in “The Front Runner”

Ever wonder how actors really prepare for playing someone real? Hugh Jackman actually met Gary Hart before filming! It’s super interesting to hear about that.

The Front Runner reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘The Front Runner’ is actually worth watching? Check out Mark Kermode’s review – he always has such insightful things to say about movies.

Hugh Jackman Talks ‘The Front Runner,’ ‘The Greatest Showman,’ More | Sunday TODAY

Hugh Jackman’s always so charismatic! In this interview, he talks about his role in ‘The Front Runner,’ and it’s fascinating to hear his thoughts.

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