[usr 4.5]
American Senator Gary Hart’s presidential campaign in 1988 is derailed when he’s caught in a scandalous love affair.
For the better part of this century, Jason Reitman has been criminally underrated as a filmmaker (in my opinion, the most underrated). Hit films like “Juno,” “Up in the Air,” and the wonderful “Tully,” which came out earlier this year, proves that Reitman is one of the most entertaining people behind the lens. Thankfully, “The Front Runner” is a not a deviation from my expectations. Hugh Jackman brings an Oscar-worthy performance playing former Senator Gary Hart. A very private person, he is forced to deal with consequences of being in the public, good or bad. Jackman peels back the layers to Hart in a way that exemplifies why he is more than just Wolverine. Jason Reitman regulars Vera Farmiga and J.K. Simmons bring great supporting help to Jackman that shouldn’t go unnoticed. A great ensemble supporting cast with the likes of Josh Brener and newcomer Mamaoudou Athie round out the great performances we get from “The Front Runner.”
Reitman has a very familiar style of filmmaking similar to Scorsese, using long takes to fit the story and not as a gimmick. Reitman and his regular director of photography, Eric Steelberg, have a unique style of cinematography that uses a continuous shot to show multiple conversations or stories going on at the same time. Many times the audience is a fly on the wall to many situations going on concurrently and Reitman deters away from sharp cuts to keep you locked into all that’s going on, without you getting lost. With the help of sound editing, sharp focus pulls and well-choreographed scene set pieces, “The Front Runner” is one of the best shot movies of the year.
Reitman and the team of writers bring sharp and witty dialogue without compromising realism. The screenplay does a phenomenal job at balancing both humor and drama with more of an emphasis on the drama. The story, in and of itself, is where I find my only flaw with the movie. With having to give screen time to many parts of the campaign, keeping up with Hart’s behind the scene endeavors, and keeping up with his family affairs, when everything hits the fan, it could have hit harder because the movie is just a tad bit saturated. But for the most part, the screenplay is entertaining to the final shot.
Reitman once again delivers another spectacle to add to his filmography. He helps Jackman and crew bring out great performances that help carry the film. The screenplay is not one to go under the radar, bringing a thrilling and hilarious train we are aboard for just under two hours. With some of the best cinematography you’ll see this year, “The Front Runner” should be a film you check out as soon as possible.
In theaters in Dallas Friday, November 16th
