Despite Hart’s forward-looking ideas about such important issues as education, technology, and the environment, the only thing reporters wanted to hear about was his extra-marital activity. That overshadowed all his accomplishments and exciting plans for our country’s future.
The Front Runner shows Gary Hart
and why his campaign fell apart.
Did reporters treat Gary right
by stalking him both day and night?
His privacy they would not grant.
A right to know became their chant.
Hugh Jackman soars in the lead role,
projecting depth of heart and soul.
This film makes us reflect on how
our world might be much better now
if Gary stayed and fought to win.
Who among us is without sin?
Jackman’s splendid performance definitely deserves recognition during the 2018 awards season. Once more, this versatile actor proves he can handle any kind of genre role -- drama, action, romance, comedy, superhero, etc. I’ll never understand why he failed to receive an Oscar nomination last year for his marvelous portrayal of P. T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. Maybe the Academy will make it up to him this year. Academy voters should be sure to watch Jackman during the intense scene when Hart confronts The Miami Herald reporters in an alley. And I hope they don’t miss Jackman’s heartbreaking face when Hart finally realizes those reporters have been stalking him. Those are just two examples out of many.
Should Gary Hart have regrets about the way he handled this situation? His refusal to follow the advice of his loyal campaign manager (portrayed by the always great J.K. Simmons), who wanted him to issue a statement about his relationship with Donna Rice (played sympathetically by Sara Paxton) -- and not lie about it -- seems troublesome. After all, Hart challenged one reporter to follow him. “Put a tail on me. I’m boring,” he said.
Vera Farmiga also excels as Hart’s wife. Her realistic reactions to the Donna Rice affair just might result in a supporting actress Oscar nomination.
Everything about The Front Runner feels real to me. However, it opens old wounds regarding a political mess that’s not something I like to remember.
(Released by Columbia Pictures Corporation and rated “R” by the MPAA.)
This review is also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.
never stop writing
m
As for affairs of the heart, that scandal broke Hart's bid for the presidency and my heart as well. I just watched CBS Sunday Morning's interview with Gary Hart this morning, discussing the movie and what happened. It is strange that this man who could have set the country on a very good course was denied a chance when our overtly sleazy current president was swept to the presidency by lies created about his opponent by Russian manipulation and a hefty boost from the conservative religious right. Still upholding all of his bad behavior as good for the country. I long for a Gary Hart in the job.
I'll have to see how Jackman does in PT Barnum, too. Perhaps Donald Trump should have stayed in show business and played PT Barnum. But then, I guess he is in show and tell business every day on Twitter.
Ron