The Best Man

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David F It feels like a play and it started life as such, but this backroom drama about a political convention and the man to man combat between the two leading contenders is an intense, suspenseful film, completely plausible, and infused with the political wit and wisdom of its brilliant author - Gore Vidal. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review Cynthia C Unfortunately, Rotten Tomatoes has an important error in the plot synopsis. Needs to be amended. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/23/24 Full Review Audience Member A very well-paced, entertaining and tightly scripted film. The Best Man is a great analysis of the presidential primaries and the subterfuge that is entailed. Fonda and Robertson do a great job portraying two sets of politicians that very much mirror reality, especially today. Gore Vidal's quick-witted script is very well-written. The script seamlessly displays each character's feelings, their beliefs and, most importantly, their development. One of Schaffner's earlier films, but his direction regarding the film's tone and the actor's positions and mannerisms is very well-constructed. I don't understand why this film is not more well-known as it is a very cutting-edge depiction of American politics and should be more widely seen. The only problems I had with the film was the helicopter scene which I felt was out of place and also there being no comments on the rival party's potential candidates that the "best man" will have to face, as this is always discussed at every Democratic and Republican primary. Lee Tracy was nominated for playing the ex-President and does a great job in letting the audience understand each candidate's tactics as well as own beliefs. Out of the other nominees I have seen; he was better than O'Brien (although he was also good in Seven Days in May). Overall, a great political analysis of American politics and power and how even the most principled are tempted at reaching the main prize by doing whatever it takes. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Imagine a political campaign for president where a firebrand populist who will do whatever to win faces a deep-thinking, morally-determined opponent. That's the Sellout. It's an insightful look of the dirty behind-the-scenes political machinations that make politics the dirtiest of sports. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Excellent cast, Fonda, Southern. Well paced and edited. Gore Vidal script is still timely and insightful. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member As extraordinary in its way as Twelve Angry Men or Inherit the Wind. Brilliantly scripted, beautifully acted and a pleasure to watch. They don't make them like this anymore. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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