THE CONTENDER (2000)

Directed by: Rod Lurie
Written by: Rod Lurie
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Starring: Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges
Rated: R

About the film:
A female vice-presidential candidate is victim of a smear campaign that has been organized by a political opponent. When her personal life is probed by her enemies, she refuses to confirm or deny their allegations on the basis of principle.

Movie Quote:
“Napoleon once said, when asked to explain the lack of great statesmen in the world, that "to get power you need to display absolute pettiness; to exercise power, you need to show true greatness." Such pettiness and greatness are rarely found in one person.”
President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) in The Contender (2000)

Bible Quote:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:13 (NIV)

Commentary:
There doesn’t seem to have been much improvement in the quality of statesmanship since Napoleon’s day. Now, as then, the lack of “great statesmen” is readily apparent. Today’s political scene abounds in pettiness. It is sorely lacking in anything resembling true greatness.

And the reason is as President Evans explains. The characteristics it takes to gain power are not the same characteristics that are needed to use that power to serve a nation… or a people. Unfortunately, the self-serving position seekers often get the jobs they want but they can’t (or won’t) perform those jobs in the way we the people need them to perform.

Believe it or not, meekness is the key. It takes a strong man to stay meek when presented with such power. A leader who remains meek enough to receive good and sound council but can also exercise the boldness to act upon that council for the good of the people he serves would indeed be worthy of those who elect him.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What qualities do you look for in a political candidate?
2. What motivates the various characters in the film? What informs the choices they make?