I got to watching a movie last night, finally having gone out and found it, as I've long liked it but have never replaced the VHS version with a new DVD one. As much as some people have been annoyed with the movie (hell, Chris Klein plays a dumb ex-jock in a rather perfect role for him), I really like the story, presentation, and the thoughts behind Election
In particular, three aspects of the film make me think of three different things, all of which lie just under the surface of the movie. First, there's the whole "life mistake" illustration, particularly evident in everyone's choices and how one little choice can affect one's entire life (a teacher sleeping with a high school student, a husband cheating on his wife, a teacher cheating on a student government election...etc). These things I call "life decisions" and are things that you can easily choose, in a heartbeat, that can turn your life into a tailspin out of control.
Second, there is the idea of ethics vs morals, which the movie brings up a couple times, but never truly outright answers it; rather, it is hidden in subtext.
Lastly, the movie presents the question of all the choices one goes through in life. Every little thing, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, affects who you are and where you are. Dropping a carton of noodles on the floor which angers the unseen janitor who gets his "revenge later," the broken leg which leads away from being a football star to being a much more wholesome person, etc. One little incident can change a life. This is even better illustrated in the film Run Lola Run.
Either way, Election is a simple little movie with lots of little character-led threads and a great method of presenting them. It's cute and interesting, and one of those movies I secretly like a lot. By the way, it's one of the few "high school" movies that really feels like a high school, and not with 22 year olds dressed as students.
As a parting note, DVD's are great when they have director commentary. Things like a director saying "it's always great when I can capture weather..." during an outside scene that awesomely captures midwest (Omaha) autumn...really flesh out the movie experience beyond just having seen them over and over and had my own reactions. (It also describes how Chris Klein got into movies as well...quite by chance.) The directors always love pointing out all the subtle little things and props that are used to tie everything together...such little things sometimes.
In particular, three aspects of the film make me think of three different things, all of which lie just under the surface of the movie. First, there's the whole "life mistake" illustration, particularly evident in everyone's choices and how one little choice can affect one's entire life (a teacher sleeping with a high school student, a husband cheating on his wife, a teacher cheating on a student government election...etc). These things I call "life decisions" and are things that you can easily choose, in a heartbeat, that can turn your life into a tailspin out of control.
Second, there is the idea of ethics vs morals, which the movie brings up a couple times, but never truly outright answers it; rather, it is hidden in subtext.
Lastly, the movie presents the question of all the choices one goes through in life. Every little thing, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, affects who you are and where you are. Dropping a carton of noodles on the floor which angers the unseen janitor who gets his "revenge later," the broken leg which leads away from being a football star to being a much more wholesome person, etc. One little incident can change a life. This is even better illustrated in the film Run Lola Run.
Either way, Election is a simple little movie with lots of little character-led threads and a great method of presenting them. It's cute and interesting, and one of those movies I secretly like a lot. By the way, it's one of the few "high school" movies that really feels like a high school, and not with 22 year olds dressed as students.
As a parting note, DVD's are great when they have director commentary. Things like a director saying "it's always great when I can capture weather..." during an outside scene that awesomely captures midwest (Omaha) autumn...really flesh out the movie experience beyond just having seen them over and over and had my own reactions. (It also describes how Chris Klein got into movies as well...quite by chance.) The directors always love pointing out all the subtle little things and props that are used to tie everything together...such little things sometimes.
atticstar:
not even if i was paid.