The Contender (2000)

Compare Prices at 12 stores

User Rating:

11 Ratings (14 Reviews)

Product Details: The Contender (2000)

Edition:: DVD . See other editions
MPAA Rating:: R
Release Date:: 03/06/2001
UPC:: 667068780925
Directed by:: Rod Lurie
Featuring:: Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges. See all cast

Synopsis: The Contender (2000)

Synopis: In THE CONTENDER, the sudden death of the vice president of the United States forces U.S. president Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to pick a replacement. He decides against picking the popular governor of Virginia, Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), and instead makes the radical choice of Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) to become the nation's first female veep. Governor Hathaway's political friends include Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), a powerful congressman who will oversee Hanson's confirmation. Runyon digs into Hanson's personal life and finds evidence that in college, Hanson participated in an alcohol-fueled orgy as part of a sorority initiation. When faced with this scandal, Hanson refuses to respond to the attacks, causing a political crisis leading to further shocking revelations.Former film critic Rod Lurie's second film (after the thriller DETERRENCE) is a tense potboiler with issues ripped from modern headlines, including the nature of political ideals and the national curiosity with leaders' sex lives. Joan Allen gives another in a long line of stunning performances as the tough, idealistic Laine Hanson, who stands up for what she believes in no matter what the cost. THE CONTENDER also features strong supporting performances from Bridges and Oldman, as well as a realistic look at the high-pressure game of insider politics.

Features: The Contender (2000)

Features: DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical
Making-of - 1. HBO FIRST LOOK
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary - 1. Rod Lurie - Director, Joan Allen - Star
Text/Photo Galleries:
Production Notes
Biographies - 1. Cast & Crew

User Reviews: Contender

Alexander Hammond is brilliant
, July 2, 2003
Reviewer: John Wheeler - See all John Wheeler's reviews

Overall:

Picture:

Sound:

Features:

This is a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about fine production values. It is as faithful as Gosford Park and Remains of the Day. Simply wonderful quality and texturing throughout. I have seen it about a dozen times now and do not own it. While the camera work is fine, the cinematographer had the benefit of shooting marvelous sets resplendant in detail. ...

Full Review | Permalink
Was this review helpful? Yes - No ( Report Problem )
First Rate
, May 2, 2003
Reviewer: Alan L - See all Alan L's reviews

Overall:

Picture:

Sound:

Features:

Finally, an intelligent, well paced movie for adults. The twists and turns in this thriller will keep you hooked all the way through. Also, first rate acting.
Permalink
Was this review helpful? Yes - No ( Report Problem )