Watch Election

Election is a 1999 satirical comedy-drama movie directed by Alexander Payne and starring Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Klein. The movie is based on Tom Perrotta's 1998 novel of the same name. The movie follows the story of Tracy Flick (Witherspoon), a high school senior and determined overachiever who is running for student body president. Opposing her campaign is Jim McAllister (Broderick), a popular high school teacher who is also the faculty advisor for the student government. Jim is dissatisfied with Tracy's overbearing ambition and is secretly hoping to undermine her campaign. He encourages Paul Metzler (Klein), a popular and likable jock, to run against Tracy. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Paul's sister Tammy (Jessica Campbell) decides to run as well.

The characters in Election are well-drawn and relatable, with Tracy being the standout. Witherspoon delivers a brilliant performance as Tracy. She is a smart and ambitious young woman who is convinced that she deserves to be elected to the position of student body president. However, her sense of entitlement and her ruthless pursuit of her goals make her unlikable, and as the plot progresses, her character becomes increasingly complex.

Broderick also gives an excellent performance as Jim, the teacher who is struggling with a mid-life crisis. His character is flawed and struggling, making him relatable to viewers. Chris Klein's Paul is the popular jock who is not as dumb as he seems. He is likable and well-meaning but lacks the drive to truly succeed.

The pacing of Election is excellent, with the plot moving along at a brisk pace. The movie uses several narrative devices, including voiceover narration, to provide insights into the characters' motivations and feelings. The use of different camera angles, such as close-ups and medium shots, also adds visual interest to the movie.

One of the most notable aspects of Election is its sharp and witty script. The movie's humor is dark, and the satire is biting, making it a perfect commentary on American society's obsession with success and power. The movie shows how far people will go to get what they want, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries.

The movie's themes of ambition and power are also particularly relevant in today's society. Election is a reminder that, at times, people are willing to do anything to achieve their goals, even if it means sacrificing their integrity and morals. The movie also touches on the theme of identity, showing how people's sense of self-worth is often tied to their success and how they are perceived by others.

In terms of its technical aspects, Election is a well-crafted movie. The set design and cinematography add to the movie's overall atmosphere and help to create a sense of realism. The music, composed by Rolfe Kent, is also noteworthy, adding to the movie's overall vibe.

Overall, Election is an outstanding movie filled with excellent performances and sharp humor. It is a perfect satire of American society's obsession with success and power and is as relevant today as it was in 1999. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good satire or a lighthearted commentary on the human condition.

Election is a 1999 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 83.