The Candidate
1972 · Movie · PG · 110 min · ★ 6.5 · 77% critics
A reluctant idealist agrees to run for a major political office because he’s told he can’t win, giving him freedom to speak his mind and challenge the party machine. As the campaign unexpectedly gains momentum, he’s pulled between staying authentic and adapting to the pressures, compromises, and media-driven spectacle of modern elections.
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Details
- Years
- 1972
- Release date
- 1972-06-29
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Critic score
- 77/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (182 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like witty, clear-eyed stories about campaigning, image-making, and the cost of compromise, with a grounded, realistic feel; Not for you if you want big scandals, nonstop action, or easy answers like in House of Cards.
Pros: sharp political satire; strong lead performance; still timely themes | Cons: runs a bit long; some characters feel broad; transformation feels rushed
Themes
- california
- politics
- political campaign
- u.s. senator
- political candidate
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1973
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1973 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1973 · nominated
Cast & crew
Robert Redford
as Bill McKay
Peter Boyle
as Marvin Lucas
Melvyn Douglas
as John J. McKay
Don Porter
as Senator Crocker Jarmon
Allen Garfield
as Klein
Karen Carlson
as Nancy McKay
Quinn K. Redeker
as Rick Jenkin
Morgan Upton
as Wally Henderson
Michael Lerner
as Paul Corliss
Kenneth Tobey
as Floyd J. Starkey
Directed by Michael Ritchie