The Candidate
Bill McKay is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from California. He has no hope of winning, so he is willing to tweak the establishment.
Critics Sentiment
McKay asks Lucas what to do now in final scene
McKay's message becomes increasingly generic and poll-driven
The film's biggest swing occurs between McKay's soul-crushing generic campaigning phase and his powerful debate performance where he briefly reclaims his voice.
Critics consistently praised The Candidate as a prescient and realistic political satire that remains painfully relevant. The sentiment arc follows McKay's transformation from idealistic lawyer to compromised politician, with reviewers appreciating Redford's subtle performance and the film's documentary-style authenticity. While some found certain middle sections flat, the brilliant final scene earned universal acclaim as one of cinema's greatest endings.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 23
Robert Redford
Bill McKay
Peter Boyle
Marvin Lucas
Melvyn Douglas
John J. McKay
Don Porter
Senator Crocker Jarmon
Allen Garfield
Klein
Karen Carlson
Nancy McKay
Quinn K. Redeker
Rick Jenkin
Morgan Upton
Wally Henderson
Michael Lerner
Paul Corliss
Kenneth Tobey
Floyd J. Starkey
Christopher Pray
David
Joe Miksak
Neil Atkinson
Jenny Sullivan
Lynn
Tom Dahlgren
Pilot
Gerald Hiken
Station Manager
Leslie Allen
Mabel
Jason Goodrow
Boy in the Commercial
Robert De Anda
Jaime
Robert Goldsby
Fleischer
Mike Barnicle
Wilson
Crew
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