Election
Most of us probably look back at our high school student elections as a popularity contest between ass-kissing power mongers eager to inflate their college applications. The 1999 black comedy Election presents a teacher's perspective on this process and high school in general.
Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) is a dedicated Omaha schoolteacher. He sincerely cares about his students and prides himself as an educator and molder of young minds. In short, he is everybody's favorite teacher. He appears happy with his life.
While overseeing the upcoming school elections Jim encounters student council presidential candidate Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon). Tracy is the type of person most of us despised back in high school, belonging to every club and volunteering for every committee. She is an ambitious go-getter who sees her victory as student council president as the first step in her lifelong career strategy.
Determined to stop Tracy in her tracks, Jim recruits a popular, kindhearted jock named Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her. The election heats up further when Paul's sister, Tammy (Jessica Campbell), joins the presidential race as an anti-candidate promising to abolish the student government if elected. As the election becomes more chaotic, Jim McAllister's life unravels resulting in a finish that offers many unexpected twists and surprises.
Election is an edgy movie that examines high school from a teacher's perspective. One teacher friend of mine loved it because it deals with many of the taboo topics within the educational system, such as teacher-student sex. It also gives you an indication of what teachers really think of their students behind closed doors. Finally, Election gives a closer look at the politics and alliances that occur in the teacher's lounge.
This movie represents a daring departure for Matthew Broderick. For years, he was typecast as a Ferris Bueller nice guy. Election puts this image aside. Although Jim McAllister is initially likeable, we soon discover that he does have a dark side. As the movie wears on we discover that his character has many fundamental flaws, and that he is not as happy with his life as he seems. He is actually miserable. But we root for his character despite his many flaws.
Reese Witherspoon is perfect in the role as the ruthless and anal overachiever. Not only does she try to answer every question in class, but also she spouts off annoying success-oriented cliches such as the value of the early bird. She is so self-involved that while praying she insists that God intervene in the election so that "she may carry out his will on earth." Her performance is so good that it's easy to sympathize with Jim McAllister and understand his final actions.
Director Alexander Payne uses a number of creative techniques to convey the story. He often pauses the story in mid-frame to have different characters narrate their thoughts. These thoughts usually have the benefit of hindsight to give the impression that the story is being retold a number of different ways. I also got a charge out of having an Indian war cry in the background sound whenever anyone crosses Tracy Flick.
Overall, Election is a dark, edgy film that is not for everyone. You will either love this movie or hate it. Although it is not a gut-busting comedy, it is very smart and witty. If you can appreciate the subtlety of a black comedy, then you will enjoy Election.
Send any comments/ feedback to the author.
A few brews may be O.K., but the humor is often too subtle to appreciate while gunned.
WARNING: This movie shows Matthew Broderick having sex. This is something that no man or woman should have to see. Personally, this movie sparked a bit of a dry spell for me after viewing.
Buy this movie from Amazon.com
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