The Contender (2000 film)

Second-term Democratic U.S. President Jackson Evans must select a new Vice President following the sudden death of his vice president, Troy Ellard. The obvious choice seems to be Virginia Governor Jack Hathaway, who is hailed as a hero after he recently dove into a lake in a failed attempt to save a drowning woman. The President instead decides that his "swan song" will be helping to break the glass ceiling by nominating Ohio Senator Laine Hanson. In accordance with the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, approval from both houses of Congress is required. Standing in her way is Republican Congressman Sheldon Runyon of Illinois, who believes she is unqualified for the position, and backs Hathaway for the nod. His investigation into her background turns up an incident where she was apparently photographed participating in a drunken orgy as part of a sorority initiation. He is joined in his opposition by Democratic Representative Reginald Webster.

The confirmation hearings begin in Washington, D.C., and Runyon, who chairs the committee, quickly addresses Hanson's alleged sexual imbroglio. Hanson refuses to address the incident, neither confirming nor denying anything, and tries to turn the discussion towards political issues. Anticipating that Hanson would deem her personal past "none of anyone's business", Runyon starts rumors in the media saying that the sexual escapade in college was done in exchange for money and favors, making it prostitution.

Hanson meets with Evans and offers to withdraw her name, to save his administration more embarrassment. Despite the wishes of the administration, she refuses to fight back or even address Runyon's charges, arguing that to answer the questions dignifies them being asked in the first place—something she does not believe. Evans meets with Runyon, informing him he will not choose Hanson as vice president. Runyon casually brings forward Hathaway as a replacement. They make an agreement that Runyon will back down on his attacks if Evans chooses Hathaway as vice president. However, Evans requests Runyon to make a public statement defending Hathaway, which Runyon agrees to do.

Hanson, Hathaway, and Runyon are all invited to the White House where Evans shocks them with an FBI report revealing that Hathaway paid the woman to drive off the bridge. Hathaway is arrested and Runyon is disgraced because he vouched for Hathaway's integrity just hours earlier. Evans meets with Hanson, and she finally tells what actually happened that night in college. She said that she did indeed arrive at a fraternity house to have sex with two men as part of an initiation, but changed her mind before any sex occurred. However, she did not prove her innocence, citing that by doing so will further the idea that it was acceptable to ask the questions in the first place. Evans addresses Congress, where he chastises all Democrats and Republicans who blocked Hanson's confirmation. He explicitly lambasts Runyon, who leaves in humiliation. Although he declares that Hanson had asked for her nomination to be withdrawn so he could finish his presidency with triumph over controversy, he remains adamant by rejecting her resignation and calls for an immediate confirmation vote.

Director Rod Lurie said he wrote the screenplay because he wished to make a film starring Joan Allen, and wrote the part of Laine Hanson with her in mind.^[2] Having a fascination with politics, and inspired by his daughter, he wished to make a feminist film that would differ from Allen's frequent role as troubled wife.^[2] At the time, the Lewinsky scandal was in the news, and actor Jeff Bridges acknowledged the story was a response to it.^[3] In writing the screenplay, Lurie considered a number of possible endings, including one in which Laine is assassinated. However, he wanted to give a message of hope to his daughter and audiences.^[2]

Actor Gary Oldman decided to produce the film, attracted to the screenplay which he felt was reminiscent of All the President's Men (1976).^[4] He did not see Sheldon Runyon as a villain, and Lurie claimed he was not written to be one.^[2] Oldman's manager Douglas Urbanski noted they independently produced the film before DreamWorks became involved.^[5]

Before approaching Jeff Bridges for the part of President Evans, Lurie submitted the screenplay to Paul Newman, reflecting how the character was envisioned to be older than he is in the final film. Newman turned down the role, which Lurie attributed to the actor's retirement.^[2] Bridges also sings the song featured in the beginning of the film.^[6]

Lurie wanted Sam Elliott for the part of Kermit, despite skepticism that he was best known for playing cowboys.^[2] Christian Slater joined the cast, saying he was interested in the screenplay's discussion of principles.^[7] Jessica Lange was cast but had to drop out due to personal commitments.

The scene where Laine is interviewed by Larry King was shot before principal photography.^[6] False gravestones were made for a set recreating Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, with many of the markers having the same name,^[6] while The Washington Post gave permission for shooting in their office for one scene.^[2]

A number of scenes were filmed during rain, but this precipitation does not appear in the film because a severe amount is needed to be visible. In one such scene, before Laine is announced as vice presidential nominee, a typhoon was forecast, and Lurie's assistant from India performed a religious ritual to ward it off, which the director credited with working.^[6] The scene where Laine debates abortion with the House Judiciary Committee is directly influenced by The Manchurian Candidate (1962).^[8]

In the scene where Allen is riding by supporters in a car, few extras attended the shot, which lasted only 15 minutes. As a result, a number of crew members were costumed and stood in.^[6]

After the film was nearly completed, Lurie received a phone call saying producer Steven Spielberg was interested in the project. Spielberg's DreamWorks eventually paid $9 million to acquire the film's domestic distribution rights.^[1] Lurie and Allen said it was the first time DreamWorks acquired a film the company had not produced.^[6]

Lurie said nearly 30 minutes of footage was deleted because it did not reflect intended themes of principles and leadership. Based on lack of enthusiasm in test screenings to the final scene where Laine addresses the House Judiciary Committee, and with Spielberg's advice, Lurie added music intended to be inspirational, which did receive a better response from test audiences.^[2]

The film was screened in Toronto International Film Festival in September 2000, and premiered in Los Angeles on 6 October. After a wider release on 14 October,^[9] it generated over $5 million during its opening weekend.^[10]

The film finished its run with a total domestic gross of $17,872,723,^[11] which was seen by domestic distributor DreamWorks as a box office success.^[1] It earned $22,361,811 worldwide.^[11]