Political clout

Politicians. Love them or hate them they are here to stay. Nixon and Watergate, Harold Holt’s mysterious disappearance, Clinton and Lewinsky and of course, the subsequent torrent of expression that was the result of the JFK assassination. Politics has provided much fodder for film. Indeed, politics infiltrated the film and TV biz itself during the McCarthy era.

As the majority of cinema releases are produced by the US , the rest of the world is subjugated to films devoted to the American political system and those within it. Especially here in Australia we have such an overexposure to American material, it is commonplace for us to know more American Presidents than Australian Prime Ministers…

Which is why I really love it when Australians produce material of their own. I particularly enjoyed the ABC series “Curtin” when it screened last year. I was also pleased to see it take out the 2008 Logie for Most Outstanding Drama series, especially with crime shows becoming a bit dime a dozen on our screens – exactly how many versions of “Law and Order” or “CSI” do we really need?

It was also wonderful to see an Australian take on local politics in the ABC’s series “Grass Roots”. Its satirical look at the plotting and scheming behind the scenes of a local council was delicious viewing. I love the clueless mayor, the ambitious councillor and the independent councillor just looking to make a difference. There’s even a dodgy property developer to boot!
Though politics may remain a taboo topic at dinner parties, it continues to be compelling subject for many a TV series or film. “The West Wing” made politics accessible to people other than just Political Science majors and remains, in my opinion, one of the most intellectual and enjoyable programs ever made. The show’s creator, Aaron Sorkin, also helmed The American President, a delightful Rom/Com set in the White House.

With the next American Presidential Election in our near future, and invading our current news, take the time for a more serious look at the process itself.

What should you get?

I loved this month’s film from the very beginning. It is a gritty political thriller and an interesting commentary on the public’s hunger for a scandal as well as what we consider important when choosing our leaders. It stars several of my favourite actors including Gary Oldman, Joan Allen and William Petersen and all give powerful performances. I also love the way it shines a light on the dichotomy between the methods used against a woman versus a man when vying for the same position.

THE CONTENDER

PLOT: When the US Vice President dies in office, the President decides he wants the legacy of the first woman in the office of VP. Senator Laine Hanson is nominated to fill the vacancy but during the confirmation process, the opposition launches a vicious attack on her personal life in which rumours regarding sexual deviancy take centre stage. Though pushed by colleagues to fight back, she refuses to comment on the allegations, determined that the confirmation should be based on her political merits alone.

DIRECTOR: Rod Lurie (The Last Castle)

CAST: Joan Allen (The Bourne Supremacy, The Notebook), Gary Oldman (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Air Force One), Christian Slater (Interview with a Vampire), Jeff Bridges (Seabiscuit).

LOCATED IN: Drama section

FOR MORE POLITICAL FILMS SEE:

• “The West Wing”
• The American President
• Primary Colours
• Dave
• “Grass Roots”
• Curtin
• Thirteen Days
• JFK
• All the President’s Men
• Charlie Wilson’s War
• All the King’s Men
• Bulworth

TRIVIA
For this performance Joan Allen received a well deserved Oscar Nomination but lost out to Julia Roberts in Erin Brokovich.