Contender, The (2000) - Synopsis

Contender, The (2000)

THE CONTENDER is a sharp political thriller, which takes a sardonic look at American politics, taking us behind the engrossing and often amusing scenes of political power play. Lurie, (a former critic and entertainment journalist), makes his feature film debut with this complex and highly entertaining film.

When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson Joan Allen is chosen by the President Jeff Bridges to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary Gary Oldman who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.

Laine Hanson has what it takes to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Now she must prove she has the stomach for what it takes to get the job.

Cinerenta/Cinecontender present "The Contender," a Battleground Production in association with the SE8 Group. The film stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, William Petersen, Philip Baker Hall, Saul Rubinek and Sam Elliott. Rod Lurie wrote and directed the film, which is produced by Marc Frydman, Douglas Urbanski, Willi Bar and James Spies. Dr. Rainer Bienger (Cinerenta), Gary Oldman and Maurice Leblond are the executive producers, with Scott Shiffman and Steve Loglisci serving as co-producers.