The Best Man

One of the best political movies, and it still holds up very well. Vidal is the real auteur here--his dialogue is fine--but Schaffner directs with force and intelligence, and Robertson, Fonda, Kevin McCarthy and Lee Tracy are particularly good.

Excellent political satire, with Fonda and Robertson both terrific as opposing candidates in a Kennedy-Nixon inspired presidential race. Acerbic, bitter commentary on the state of politics (and dirty tricks) still seems incredibly fresh and relevant, especially in Tracy's supporting performance as king-maker and a riveting second half when all characters must make considered ethical decisions. An unusual, low-key film for the usually more robust director Schaffner.

Solid film, med goda skådespelarinsatser. Fondas karaktär är visserligen lite fyrkantigt genompräktig, men det är en ganska intressant moralitetshistoria. Oförtjänt bortglömd av antalet Filmtipset-betyg att dömma!@BAM

It took me way too long to figure out Fonda was a republican as well. The cognitive dissonance resulting from not being able to associate such reasonability with a republican candidate simply was too strong, but at least it made the film that much more interesting. Much of what was considered satire with a critical component then is a given now, but much of it, pretty much all the crappy parts of elections then, have remained unchanged... yayyy....

Having recently read a book on the impact of Whitaker-Hiss in US culture, and Rick Perelstein's "Nixonland," this movie was right in my wheelhouse. Still relevant while being timely in its own time, it also manages to be a crackling good story with terrific performances from Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson and Lee Tracy.

Great piece of work that blends a satire feel with a true inspection of the political process. Very easy to ingest.

Occasionally silly, consistently riveting populist drama. Where's the DVD?

Probably the best movie thematising American politics.