The Seduction of Joe Tynan

R

Released Aug 17, 1979

1 hr. 47 min.

Drama

List

75%

12 Reviews

Tomatometer

38%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

A liberal United States senator, Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is in over his head with both his work and his home life. Joe sees little of his wife, Ellie (Barbara Harris), due to the demands of his job, and their relationship is further strained when he begins to fall for Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep), a pretty attorney. Working with Karen on a Supreme Court appointment case that could mean a big boost for his career, Joe has to weigh various compromises against staying true to his ideals.

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john e

My 2022 journey to see every movie featuring Meryl Streep continues. In Streep 's fourth film outing she played Karen Traynor, a Louisiana lawyer whose family has been in politics for some time. The movie is The Seduction of Joe Tynan which was released in 1979. Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is a liberal U.S. Senator from New York who has had a rather mundane career in Congress. He has a solid relationship with his wife Ellie (Barbara Harris), though there is strain due to his extended absences to be in D.C. Ellie does not enjoy being personally pulled into the scrutiny and exposure that Joe's public persona demands. They have two children, a daughter who is going through a teenage rebellious streak, and a younger son who is unphased by his dad's public prominence. Joe promises a conservative colleague that he won't lead any organized opposition to a new Supreme Court Judge nominee, Edward Anderson. Anderson is a judge from Louisiana… the same state that Karen Traynor resides in. When Karen meets Joe Tynan, she shares information and evidence she has on Judge Anderson, namely that he has a long history of being a racist. Tynan must now decide whether to honor, or renege, on his promise. This story deals with all machinations of politics, and the many struggles that result when morality and ambition collide. Alda is believable in his role (he also wrote the script), but it is Streep and Harris who turn in incredibly nuanced and Oscar worthy performances (though neither were afforded a nomination). Alda's chemistry with both women is fantastic. Another performance of note was that of Rip Torn as a bumptious southern Senator whose lust for personal gratification reset his moral compass long ago. While the script holds up well over forty years later, the flute heavy soundtrack screams "1970's"! Additionally, some of the large crowd scenes seem possibly affected by the film's budget. But these are minor distractions to what is overall a very keen and enjoyable flick.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

It is like you already know what to expect and the running of the golf cart into the pond (like the infamous bridge accident) and nothing new. When it comes to Barbara Hariis' performance which is top notch.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

Ten film jest swietny .

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Good drama, credible story.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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Audience Member

Good character study!!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

Good movie that shows how the power of Washington can corrupt the most well intentioned person.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Jerry Schatzberg

Director

Alan Alda

Joe Tynan

Barbara Harris

Ellie Tynan

Meryl Streep

Karen Traynor

Rip Torn

Senator Kittner

Melvyn Douglas

Senator Birney

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Richard Brody

New Yorker

Schatzberg directs the film with a sleek yet relaxed precision that mirrors Joe's own breezy confidence.

Apr 3, 2017

Full Review

Tom Huhn

Washington Blade

In its attempt to be ambiguous, The Seduction of foe Tynan is ultimately confusing.

May 18, 2022

Full Review

Kathy Fennessy

Video Librarian Magazine

Jerry Schatzberg's film is hardly a potboiler, and villains are in short supply; just flawed characters on a collision course. Recommended for classic film collections with a focus on political issues.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 22, 2022

Full Review

Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

Alan Alda and Meryl Streep shine in this political drama, now out in a smart Blu-ray edition, that is still relevant with its parable about the temptations of power.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 24, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Alda's dialogue often sparkles, and grade-A performances dominate the film.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 26, 2021

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

But it's Barbara Harris that truly shines in this film. She's remarkably nuanced, and her performance feels as fresh today as it must have back in 1979, which is no easy feat. Her final moment is a triumph of ambiguity.

Rated: B-

Dec 23, 2021

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Synopsis

A liberal United States senator, Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is in over his head with both his work and his home life. Joe sees little of his wife, Ellie (Barbara Harris), due to the demands of his job, and their relationship is further strained when he begins to fall for Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep), a pretty attorney. Working with Karen on a Supreme Court appointment case that could mean a big boost for his career, Joe has to weigh various compromises against staying true to his ideals.

Director: Jerry Schatzberg
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 1979, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2016