Election ★★★ 1999 (R) Payne uses a high school student council election to skewer the American political system in general and the election process in particular. Smart comedy has wildly ambitious Tracy (Witherspoon) running for council president unopposed until dedicated but flawed civics teacher Mr. McAllister (Broderick) decides she must be stopped. He recruits likeable but dim jock Paul (Klein) to run against her. Then Paul's lesbian (and anarchic) sister Tammy (Campbell) joins the race. As in Payne's previous effort, "Citizen Ruth," no side of the political spectrum is spared. Everyone's foibles and hypocrisy are shown, to great effect. Witherspoon gives an energized performance, while Broderick is excellent as the respected, conflicted mentor with a touch of Bueller in him. 105m/C VHS, DVD. Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell, Mark Harelik, Molly Hagan, Colleen Camp, Frankie Ingrassia, Matt Malloy, Holmes Osborne, Phil Reeves, Delaney Driscoll, Jeanine Jackson;
Director:
Alexander Payne;
Writer:
Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor;
Writer:
James Glennon;
Cameo:
Rolfe Kent. Ind. Spirit '00: Director (Payne), Film, Screenplay; N.Y. Film Critics '99: Screenplay; Natl. Soc. Film Critics '99: Actress (Witherspoon); Writers Guild '99: Adapt. Screenplay.
