The Front Runner

The Front Runner, directed by Jason Reitman, is a 2018 political drama film based on the all-too-real events from the 1984 United States presidential election. The movie features award-winning actor, Hugh Jackman, as well as performances from Vera Farmiga and J.K. Simmons.

Set in the 1980s, The Front Runner tells the compelling story of charismatic Colorado Senator, Gary Hart, portrayed by the skilled Hugh Jackman. Hart is an intriguing character, intelligent and charming. His character is illustrated as a person who’s very progressive in his political views, advocating for healthcare reform and education, thus embodying the optimism, promise and upward mobility of the American dream. As the movie unfolds, audiences are taken into the bustling, adrenaline-fueled world of political campaigns, where strategy meetings, rallying speeches, and constant travel occupy most of the time.

Through Jackman's nuanced performance, viewers are introduced to a dedicated and visionary politician whose charisma and political stand make him a promising contender, hence the title, The Front Runner, for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Hart’s innovative use of satellite technology for campaigning, high-minded rhetoric, and his commitment to policy attracts widespread appeal across the country, making him a beloved candidate among the populace.

In contrast to Jackman's character, Vera Farmiga plays Lee Hart, Gary's wife. Farmiga performance is beautifully nuanced and crucial to the film, presenting a woman who is both dedicated to her husband’s career and protective of their family’s private life. She shines within the role, providing the much-needed emotional resonance and depth. Her scenes are some of the most moving in the movie, and her portrayal is a testament to the strength and resilience of political spouses.

The movie also presents noteworthy performances from a robust supporting cast, including J.K. Simmons as Hart’s campaign manager, Bill Dixon. Simmon’s Dixon is perceptive, fiercely loyal, and keen on strategy. He’s the kind of manager who can keep the gears moving smoothly, providing insights and holding everything together amidst the chaos of the campaign. The entire ensemble, from campaign staffers to reporters, enriches the narrative.

The Front Runner effectively addresses a turning point in US history, delving into the transformational period of political reporting. It paints a vivid picture of how the boundaries between private life and public office began to blur, and how the symbiotic relationship between the press and politicians evolved. This is illuminated through the scandal that erupted, drastically changing the dynamic of Hart's campaign and leading to a media frenzy.

Director Jason Reitman, known for his clever films such as Juno and Up in the Air, crafts an engaging, thought-provoking movie that suggests a look beyond the black-and-white understanding of scandal. Without taking sides, Reitman presents various perspectives, bringing depth to the narrative. The film's pacing is accelerated to match the frenetic energy of a presidential campaign, and the dialogue is sharp, with a screenplay based on the book "All the Truth Is Out" by Matt Bai.

The film's lens is not focused on the scandal in itself, but on the cultural shift it triggered. It takes an analytical look at the media's role in politics, the intimacy we demand from our leaders, and the impact it has on our perception of them. In this respect, the movie can be seen as a historical template, echoing our current reality and constantly pushing the viewer to question what we want from our politicians, and at what cost.

Through stellar performances and a thoughtful narrative, The Front Runner becomes more than just a recounting of a politician's downfall. It becomes a meditative study on the intersection between media, politics and personal integrity. It's a provocative film that leaves viewers with a layered understanding of its characters and their world, resulting in a compelling portrayal of a seminal moment in American political history.