Easily one of the greatest commentaries on the American political system, while still being genuinely entertaining. Starring Robert Redford as the title subject, and directed by hollywood stalwart Michael Ritchie (director of the original Bad News Bears, Fletch,…yes, I said FLETCH!!), The Candidate is an amazingly pointed black comedy about California politics, American politics, and how society was feeling both stranded, abandoned but hopeful in the early 1970’s. Five stars from me.
Here’s the blurb on Netflix:
Robert Redford stars as Bill McKay, a California lawyer urged to run against the seemingly unbeatable Republican incumbent in a senatorial race. McKay is a well-meaning innocent, but as support widens for his open platform, the sellout begins. With an Oscar-winning script and appearances by real-life reporters and politicians, The Candidate takes a biting look at the nature of politics.
