Taglines: Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot.
The Contender movie storyline. Second-term Democratic U.S. President Jackson Evans must select a new Vice President following the sudden death of his previous vice president. The obvious choice seems to be Virginia Governor Jack Hathaway, who is hailed as a hero after he recently dove into a lake in a failed attempt to save a drowning girl. The President instead decides that his “swan song” will be helping to break the glass ceiling by nominating Laine Hanson, a talented Democratic senator from Ohio. In accordance with the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, approval from both houses of Congress is required.
Standing in her way is Republican Congressman Sheldon Runyon of Illinois, who believes she is unqualified for the position, and backs Hathaway for the nod. His investigation into her background turns up an incident where she was apparently photographed participating in a drunken orgy as part of a sorority initiation. He is joined in his opposition by Democratic Representative Reginald Webster.
The confirmation hearings begin in Washington, D.C., and Runyon, who chairs the committee, quickly addresses Hanson’s alleged sexual imbroglio. Hanson refuses to address the incident, neither confirming nor denying anything, and tries to turn the discussion towards political issues. Anticipating that Hanson would deem her personal past “none of anyone’s business,” Runyon starts rumors in the media saying that the sexual escapade in college was done in exchange for money and favors, making it prostitution.
Hanson meets with Evans and offers to withdraw her name, to save his administration more embarrassment. Despite the wishes of the administration, she refuses to fight back or even address Runyon’s charges, arguing that to answer the questions dignifies them being asked in the first place—something she does not believe.
Evans meets with Runyon, informing him he will not choose Hanson as Vice President. Runyon casually brings forward Hathaway as a replacement. They make an agreement that Runyon will back down on his attacks if Evans chooses Hathaway as Vice President. However, Evans requests Runyon to make a public statement defending Hathaway.
The Contender is a 2000 political drama film written and directed by Rod Lurie. It stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater. The film focuses on a fictional United States President (played by Bridges) and the events surrounding his appointment of a new Vice President (Allen).
The film serves as a response to the Lewinsky scandal that arose during the presidency of Bill Clinton. It also became the subject of controversy regarding alterations that allegedly displeased Oldman, who co-produced. Joan Allen was nominated for Best Actress and Jeff Bridges for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.
The Contender (2000)
Directed by: Rod Lurie
Starring: Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, William Petersen, Philip Baker Hall, Saul Rubinek, Sam Elliott, Mariel Hemingway, Kathryn Morris
Screenplay by: Rod Lurie
Production Design by: Alec Hammond
Cinematography by: Denis Maloney
Film Editing by: Michael Jablow
Costume Design by: Matthew Jacobsen
Set Decoration by: Eloise Crane Stammerjohn
Art Direction by: Halina Gebarowicz
Music by: Larry Groupé
MPAA Rating: R for strong sexual content and language.
Distributed by: DreamWorks Pictures
Release Date: October 13, 2000
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