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ELECTION Send This Review to a Friend
Ostensibly "Election" is about the competition for an Omaha high school presidency and a teacher's attempt to manipulate the process. The genius of "Election" is that by the time the film is over, we have by inference a perspective on much of our society. The film is also very, very funny. If you think this is just another teen flick have no fear. The director, Alexander Payne, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jim Taylor based on Tom Perrotta's novel, has made a slyly sophisticated film, which is well cast whether in the youth or adult department.
Reese Witherspoon has the character of candidate Tracy Flick down perfectly. Tracy is the kind of a self-righteous over-achiever who needs to be stopped before she inflicts more widespread damage. She's an eager-beaver menace who'll trample on anyone in her way and just to listen to her yapping is to hate her. You won't forget Witherspoon's canny performance.
Matthew Broderick plays Jim McAllister, a well-liked teacher and mentor who recognizes the danger embodied in Tracy. He engages in a scheme to stop the girl, who has already figured in a sexual scandal that destroyed the career of a teacher who should have known better. As you see, the adults have their problems of ethics and morals as well, and McAllister lets his libido lead him astray, but at least not with Tracy.
''Election" is loaded with droll observances, funny situations and a student brother and sister (Cris Klein and Jessica Campbell) who are delightful key characters. The film is a sleeper and I wouldn't be surprised to find it turning up on best lists at the end of 1999. A Paramount Pictures release.
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