Introduction"The Best Man" is a 1964 political drama movie directed and produced by Franklin J. Schaffner. The movie script, composed by Gore Vidal, is adjusted from his play of the same name. The movie features Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, and Lee Tracy in major roles. The plot revolves around two potential candidates contending for their celebration's election to end up being President of the United States. Interlaced with intrigue, adjustment, and individual character revelations, the film provides a tense and suspenseful representation of the American political landscape.
Plot OverviewFormer Secretary of State, William Russell (played by Henry Fonda), and Senator Joe Cantwell (represented by Cliff Robertson) are the top candidates for the unnamed celebration's governmental nomination. Russell, an intellectual and principled individual, significantly contrasts with Cantwell, a callous and result-oriented figure. While Russell believes in politics' ethical measurements, Cantwell is all set to exploit any situation or compromise on any principles to secure the election.
Throughout the troubled contest, Cantwell finds out about a possibly harmful secret from Russell's past involving his mental health. In reaction, Russell, in spite of his ethical high ground, reveals an outrageous story about Cantwell's sexuality during his military service. Each has the opportunity to challenge the other, creating an ethical problem and deepening the stress.
Character Progression and ClimaxThe characters manifest various sides of their characters as the plot unfolds. Russell appears more negative, willing to use dirty politics as Cantwell divulges his psychiatric history. Meanwhile, Cantwell displays raw ambition but is plagued by desperation when threatened with his scandal.
As the climax techniques, Russell stands at a crossroads: to leakage Cantwell's military scandal or preserve his moral position. In the end, he selects to keep his concepts intact. On the other hand, Cantwell doesn't hesitate to utilize Russell's psychological health records against him, leading to Russell withdrawing from the race.
Resolution and Impact"The Best Man" concludes with a poignant reflection on the nature of politics. After Russell actions down, former President Art Hockstader (played by Lee Tracy), who earlier seemed a seasoned cynic, reveals that he understood about Cantwell's military scandal all along. He praises Russell for his integrity, showing long-craved wisdom and humanity.
An unlikely peace descends post-battle, as both guys observe the real essence of politics - the power, battle, principles, and the toll it handles a person's individual life and psychological wellness. Cantwell winds up getting the election, but with a sense of defeat, while Russell leaves with his head held high, having actually not compromised his stability.
ConclusionWhile keeping the essence of a political drama, "The Best Man" gravitates towards exploring character dynamics, providing an interesting narrative of power and ethics. It showcases the harsh realities of the political sphere, where principles typically lose versus expedience. With excellent performances by Fonda, Robertson, and Tracy, the film skilfully encapsulates the tumultuous nature of the fight for power in the dynamics of the American political landscape. The film remains appropriate today, providing a classic commentary on the duality of success in politics.
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