by Laura W
Oh, high school. So many memories, many of which most of us never want to revisit. Time spent in high school could be the best of times, or the worst of times. One of the most obvious staples in most high schools is that of the student council. If, and when, you decide to run, it’s basically a battle of the best and a battle of the wits. If you want to make the student council badly enough, you’ll stop at nothing to get to the top.
Oh, high school. So many memories, many of which most of us never want to revisit. Time spent in high school could be the best of times, or the worst of times. One of the most obvious staples in most high schools is that of the student council. If, and when, you decide to run, it’s basically a battle of the best and a battle of the wits. If you want to make the student council badly enough, you’ll stop at nothing to get to the top.
Welcome to Election, 1999’s hit comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick. The film is based on Tom Perrotta’s book of the same name and is basically a satire of high school life. Jim (Broderick) is a history and current events teacher in a suburban city in the States. Jim’s best friend, also a fellow teacher, is fired for having an affair with student Tracy Flick. While the teacher was fired, Tracy’s reputation remains intact. It is soon discovered that she is eligible to run for the student council. Tracy will stop at nothing to make sure she reaches the top. Already harbouring a dislike for her, Jim’s dislike for her deepens when she runs for student council. Election follows the trials and tribulations of Jim doing anything to stop Tracy and her stopping at nothing to get to the top.
So, what’s so wonderful about Election? Basically, everything. It’s a brilliant satire of the day-to-day workings and ins and outs of high school, where popularity rides high and there’s a mixture of characters to be encountered. The film is witty, fast paced, and intriguing. Both Witherspoon and Broderick get so into their respective characters, one could easily forget that these are actors playing a part. Witherspoon actually looks, and acts, like a high schooler. Even during the epilogue of the film, you can tell Tracy hasn’t really learned anything, and yet Reese remains so convincing throughout it all. Reese is so cogent as Tracy, that she even earned a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination. Matthew just gets really into his part, seeing his comeuppance, whether it’s deserved it or not, is almost absolutely thrilling.
So, what’s so wonderful about Election? Basically, everything. It’s a brilliant satire of the day-to-day workings and ins and outs of high school, where popularity rides high and there’s a mixture of characters to be encountered. The film is witty, fast paced, and intriguing. Both Witherspoon and Broderick get so into their respective characters, one could easily forget that these are actors playing a part. Witherspoon actually looks, and acts, like a high schooler. Even during the epilogue of the film, you can tell Tracy hasn’t really learned anything, and yet Reese remains so convincing throughout it all. Reese is so cogent as Tracy, that she even earned a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination. Matthew just gets really into his part, seeing his comeuppance, whether it’s deserved it or not, is almost absolutely thrilling.
The sets are convincing, as are the costumes, both suited for each particular phase of the film. It’s easy to get lost in the film. Election is, for the most part, faithful to its original material. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Adapted Screenplay.
Overall, Election is a brilliant satire of high school life and the inner workings of its day-to-day life. So excellently written and acted whilst being full of humour and is a good film to watch. It may not be on the top of many people’s films to watch lists, but it should at least be on there. Whether you’re just watching for Reese and Matthew’s brilliant on-screen chemistry, or just need to watch a witty film Hit Play, on Election.
Overall, Election is a brilliant satire of high school life and the inner workings of its day-to-day life. So excellently written and acted whilst being full of humour and is a good film to watch. It may not be on the top of many people’s films to watch lists, but it should at least be on there. Whether you’re just watching for Reese and Matthew’s brilliant on-screen chemistry, or just need to watch a witty film Hit Play, on Election.
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