The Front Runner
American Senator Gary Hart's (Hugh Jackman) 1988 presidential campaign is derailed by scandal in this political biopic from four-time Oscar nominee Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air). Vera Farmiga and J.K. Simmons co-star.
"Having lost the democratic ticket to Walter Mondale in 1984, Gary Hart (Jackman) made a triumphant return to candidacy in 1987, at a moment when his party was desperate to wrestle power back from the Republicans after two terms of Reagan. Hart had everything going for him: intelligence, charisma, and experience as a lawyer, campaign manager, and senator, not to mention an ideal First Lady in wife Lee (Farmiga). But everything starts to crumble when word circulates that Hart is a womaniser - a rumour quickly followed by reports that he had an affair with Donna Rice (Sara Paxton)." (Toronto International Film Festival)
- Director:
- Jason Reitman ('Juno', 'Thank You for Smoking', 'Up in the Air')
- Writer:
- Matt BaiJay CarsonJason Reitman
- Cast:
- Hugh JackmanVera FarmigaJ.K. SimmonsSara PaxtonAri GraynorKaitlyn DeverMike JudgeToby HussBob MartindaleBill Burr
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Paul Casserly
flicksA lot can happen in three weeks. That’s the time frame on offer in Jason Reitman’s real-life political fable. Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), the front runner in question, was poised to become President in 1988—he was the leading Democratic candidate and polls had him thumping the eventual winner George H. W. Bush. But Gary was what older Kiwis call a bit of a rooter, a hard dog to keep on the porch, etc. To others, he’s a classic #MeToo type, and that tension is central to the film.
The Guardian
pressThere's an authenticity underpinning the portrayal of events in The Front Runner that lifts it above the less-than-groundbreaking set-up.
Stuff
pressWhether Jackman knew that was what he was portraying, or whether he thought he was giving a performance of a genuinely contrite man who deserved some public sympathy is completely up for debate.
Screen Daily
pressThe Front Runner captures the moral dilemmas and changing attitudes inspired by the Hart story with sprawling, Altmanesque brio.
Rolling Stone
pressReitman rewinds to that 1988 moment when Gary Hart's adultery took presidential politics tabloid. But not even Hugh Jackman as Hart can sell the argument that personal weakness doesn't stain public character in the era of #MeToo.
Los Angeles Times
pressA tip-top piece of entertainment starring Hugh Jackman as Hart and Vera Farmiga as his wife, Lee, that is as significant as it is enjoyable.
Hollywood Reporter
pressGiven the limitations of the role, Jackman delivers one of his finest performances.
Collider
pressIt's not only an enjoyable watch filled with terrific actors, but also that it's a movie that will have you talking afterwards. It has ideas that are worth discussing and still incredibly relevant.
Flicks, Paul Casserly
flicksA lot can happen in three weeks. That’s the time frame on offer in Jason Reitman’s real-life political fable. Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), the front runner in question, was poised to become President in 1988—he was the leading Democratic candidate and polls had him thumping the eventual winner George H. W. Bush. But Gary was what older Kiwis call a bit of a rooter, a hard dog to keep on the porch, etc. To others, he’s a classic #MeToo type, and that tension is central to the film.
The Guardian
pressThere's an authenticity underpinning the portrayal of events in The Front Runner that lifts it above the less-than-groundbreaking set-up.
Stuff
pressWhether Jackman knew that was what he was portraying, or whether he thought he was giving a performance of a genuinely contrite man who deserved some public sympathy is completely up for debate.
Screen Daily
pressThe Front Runner captures the moral dilemmas and changing attitudes inspired by the Hart story with sprawling, Altmanesque brio.
Rolling Stone
pressReitman rewinds to that 1988 moment when Gary Hart's adultery took presidential politics tabloid. But not even Hugh Jackman as Hart can sell the argument that personal weakness doesn't stain public character in the era of #MeToo.
Los Angeles Times
pressA tip-top piece of entertainment starring Hugh Jackman as Hart and Vera Farmiga as his wife, Lee, that is as significant as it is enjoyable.
Hollywood Reporter
pressGiven the limitations of the role, Jackman delivers one of his finest performances.
Collider
pressIt's not only an enjoyable watch filled with terrific actors, but also that it's a movie that will have you talking afterwards. It has ideas that are worth discussing and still incredibly relevant.
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