Election (1999)

A high school teacher's personal life becomes complicated as he works with students during the school elections.

Director:

Alexander Payne

Writers:

Tom Perrotta (novel), Alexander Payne (screenplay),

Stars:

Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 21 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Broderick	...	Jim McAllister
Reese Witherspoon	...	Tracy Flick
Chris Klein	...	Paul Metzler
Jessica Campbell	...	Tammy Metzler
Mark Harelik	...	Dave Novotny
Phil Reeves	...	Walt Hendricks
Molly Hagan	...	Diane McAllister
Delaney Driscoll	...	Linda Novotny
Colleen Camp	...	Judith R. Flick
Frankie Ingrassia	...	Lisa Flanagan
Matt Malloy	...	Vice-Principal Ron Bell
Jeanine Jackson	...	Jo Metzler
Holmes Osborne	...	Dick Metzler
Loren Nelson	...	Custodian
Emily Martin	...	Girl in Crisis

Storyline

Tracy Flick is running unopposed for this year's high school student election. But school civics teacher Jim McAllister has a different plan. Partly to establish a more democratic election, and partly to satisfy some deep personal anger toward Tracy, Jim talks popular varsity football player Paul Metzler to run for president as well. Chaos ensues.

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Plot Keywords:

student | election | teacher | school | lesbian sister | 

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Taglines:

Reading, Writing, Revenge.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, sex-related dialogue and language, and a scene of drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

7 May 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Eleição

Filming Locations:

16th St NW & H St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£65,113 (UK) (24 September 1999)

Gross:

£168,090 (UK) (1 October 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bona Fide Productions, MTV Films, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Thora Birch left the filming in Omaha on her third day because of creative differences with the director.

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Goofs

After Jim's lovemaking with Linda he drives a fantasy car back to school. On the road he has a lit cigarette in his left hand. When viewed from behind, the cigarette has disappeared.

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Quotes

Tracy Flick: [narrating] One thing that's important to know about me is that I'm an only child, so my mom is really devoted to me. And I love her so much. She wants me to do all the things that she wanted to do in life but couldn't.

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Crazy Credits

The end titles include four "The producers wish to thank the following:" cards, one "Very Special Thanks to:" card, and one "Extra Very Special Thanks to:" card.

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Connections

Referenced in 2011 MTV Movie Awards (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Find a Way to Win"
Written and Performed by Tim Carroll
Courtesy of Sire Records Group

User Reviews

A fun, cynical film

For some reason, this film has always brought a laugh to the bottom of stomach. Some people may call it boring due to the fact its not some gross-out teen comedy, but this is really the antithesis of a great satire. One can't see the scaly nature of politics simply because its always drowned in newspeak and bad reporting. But to see it at this level of understanding, it proves to be quite entertaining. It also provides a precursor to our most recent (2000) election. We have the longtime politician, the incompetent who people like, and the iconoclast who wants to shake up government. And of course, there is the cheating regulator who gets the wrong person elected for his own slimy means. Who would have guessed life would imitate art. A great film for all to see. Matthew Broderick is at his best, Reese Witherspoon really sells her role, and I actually tolerated Chris Klein's role in this film.