Overview
A charismatic lawyer takes on the political machine, but can he stay true to himself in the race for Senate?
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sardonic
- skeptical
- political film night
- classic cinema viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a sharply observed, funny, topical, and unusually realistic political drama, though some found its character development and satire shallow.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bill McKay begins with issue-driven independence, but consultants and party strategists reshape his public presentation as his popularity grows.
The campaign is staged through candid public appearances, political encounters, and an observational style repeatedly noted by critics as documentary-like.
McKay enters the Senate race as an independent-minded lawyer, then finds his campaign increasingly governed by the party machine and electoral incentives.
The campaign's improving prospects prompt strategic adjustments that turn McKay's charisma and integrity into controllable political assets.
Films like The Candidate, and why
Wag the Dog
shared political satire, campaign mechanics, and cynical view of public image
Primary Colors
shared documentary realism, electoral maneuvering, and morally compromised political ambition
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
shared idealistic outsider entering a corrupt political system and losing control of the message
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Ritchie
- Release Date
- 1972-06-29
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (196)
Cast
- Robert Redford
- Peter Boyle
- Melvyn Douglas
- Don Porter
- Allen Garfield
- Karen Carlson
- Quinn K. Redeker
- Morgan Upton
- Michael Lerner
- Kenneth Tobey
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Candidate about?
- An idealistic California lawyer discovers that winning a Senate campaign may require becoming the kind of politician he once opposed.
- What is The Candidate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Candidate as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Candidate violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Candidate.
- What did critics think of The Candidate?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a sharply observed, funny, topical, and unusually realistic political drama, though some found its character development and satire shallow.
- Which films are like The Candidate?
- Films with a similar feel include Wag the Dog, Primary Colors, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
- How long is The Candidate?
- The Candidate runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Candidate?
- In United States, The Candidate streams on YouTube TV.
