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The Candidate

Play trailer Poster for The Candidate PG,  1972,  1h 50m,  Comedy/ Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 89% 35 Reviews Tomatometer 74% 5,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
89% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Without a candidate to run for the senate seat against admired Republican Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter), campaign manager Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle) recruits leftist lawyer Bill McKay (Robert Redford). McKay's appearance piques the public's interest, and gradually Lucas pushes McKay toward a more centrist message. As McKay's original and honest platform gets watered down, his popularity increases so much that he is running even with Jarmon as Election Day approaches.
The Candidate

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The Candidate may not get all the details right when it comes to modern campaigning, but it captures political absurdity perfectly -- and boasts typically stellar work from Robert Redford to boot.

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Critics Reviews

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Jay Cocks TIME Magazine Jun 29, 2018
Neither the authentic political atmosphere nor canny performances by Redford, Boyle and Porter go far to cut through the basic glibness of the film. Go to Full Review
Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Jun 29, 2018
Much of it has a pleasing air of accuracy. But Redford's inability to suggest any irony about himself finally sinks it -- it's the only sanctimonious satire you'll ever see. Go to Full Review
Kim Newman Empire Magazine Jun 29, 2018
4/5
With Redford giving one of his best comedic performances, helped by a Oscar winning script, The Candidate is witty and charming, while looking good and proving quite memorable. Go to Full Review
David Elliott Chicago Daily News Oct 3, 2023
The synthetic quality of The Candidate, along with its sacrifice of substance for image, should make it offensive. It isn't, however, because it never tries to milk our emotions and is such visible fun with itself. Go to Full Review
Brett Doze InSession Film May 1, 2023
A-
The Candidate is both securely of its time while also featuring parallels to the performative aspects of the political system we continue to see today. Go to Full Review
Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Aug 19, 2022
3.5/5
On the heels of one of the ugliest elections in American history, “The Candidate” is a light and frothy escape by comparison. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jan 27, 2019 The best comedy movie ever made!
Rey P Aug 13, 2018 Bill Mccay is prepositioned by a political analyst to stand against a Republican elective who is such a sure-shot guarantee that other established democrats are refusing to run against him. Mccay being young, handsome and idealistic is chosen to lessen the blow according to the analyst. Mccay enters the challenge hoping to impart his message to the masses- regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, he is found to be too good and ends up winning the election. This is a great comedy drama in the political realm and Robert Redford is excellent as the handsome idealistic Mccay. The film has garnered much acclaim since release and if you enjoy a good political movie then the Candidate is a fine choice. (A great turn by the handsome Redford as a young candidate). See more
Leia S Aug 9, 2018 Bill Mccay is prepositioned by a political analyst to stand against a Republican elective who is such a sure-shot guarantee that other established democrats are refusing to run against him. Mccay being young, handsome and idealistic is chosen to lessen the blow according to the analyst. Mccay enters the challenge hoping to impart his message to the masses- regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, he is found to be too good and ends up winning the election. This is a great comedy drama in the political realm and Robert Redford is excellent as the handsome idealistic Mccay. The film has garnered much acclaim since release and if you enjoy a good political movie then the Candidate is a fine choice.(A great turn by the handsome Redford as a young candidate). See more
Hagrid L Aug 7, 2018 Bill Mccay is prepositioned by a political analyst to stand against a Republican elective who is such a sure-shot guarantee that other established democrats are refusing to run against him. Mccay being young, handsome and idealistic is chosen to lessen the blow according to the analyst. Mccay enters the challenge hoping to impart his message to the masses- regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, he is found to be too good and ends up winning the election. This is a great comedy drama in the political realm and Robert Redford is excellent as the handsome idealistic Mccay. The film has garnered much acclaim since release and if you enjoy a good political movie then the Candidate is a fine choice.(A great turn by the handsome Redford as a young candidate). See more
Finn W Jul 30, 2018 The Candidate becomes too predictable for its own good but it nonetheless is an entertaining political drama that contains plenty of sharp commentary. See more
Rey L Jul 25, 2018 Bill Mccay is prepositioned by a political analyst to stand against a Republican elective who is such a sure-shot guarantee that other established democrats are refusing to run against him. Mccay being young, handsome and idealistic is chosen to lessen the blow according to the analyst. Mccay enters the challenge hoping to impart his message to the masses- regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, he is found to be too good and ends up winning the election. This is a great comedy drama in the political realm and Robert Redford is excellent as the handsome idealistic Mccay. The film has garnered much acclaim since release and if you enjoy a good political movie then the Candidate is a fine choice. See more
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The Candidate

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Ritchie

Director

Robert Redford

Bill McKay

Peter Boyle

Marvin Lucas

Melvyn Douglas

John J. McKay

Don Porter

Senator Crocker Jarmon

Allen Garfield

Klein

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The Candidate

The Candidate (1972) The Candidate (1972) The Candidate (1972) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Without a candidate to run for the senate seat against admired Republican Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter), campaign manager Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle) recruits leftist lawyer Bill McKay (Robert Redford). McKay's appearance piques the public's interest, and gradually Lucas pushes McKay toward a more centrist message. As McKay's original and honest platform gets watered down, his popularity increases so much that he is running even with Jarmon as Election Day approaches.
Director
Michael Ritchie
Producer
Walter Coblenz
Screenwriter
Jeremy Larner
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Wildwood Enterprises, Redford-Ritchie Productions, Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 29, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2008
Runtime
1h 50m
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