The Election (2007) User Reviews

Nicely done.

[clovehitchjohn · 6/10 · 30 September 2020]

A well shot story with a Clinton whiff of corruption.

An amazing short film

[geringerbo · 9/10 · 2 November 2007]

Once in awhile I see a short film that really levels me. A film with such a simple and brilliant idea that I kick myself for not thinking of it myself. The film is called "The Election," I saw it at the Woodstock Film Festival with a bunch of other shorts. I was blown away by this little film. It has more twists and turns in eight minutes then most full length features. The acting was top notch as well. I have always loved Ray Wise since Twin Peaks and it's good to see someone using him the way he should be used. But the real star of this short film is the location. Man is it creepy. The whole film takes place in this abandoned car graveyard in the middle of the desert. Rusted out buses, carnival rides and trucks with bullet holes. The story is pretty simple - Governor to be and his wife find themselves in the desert facing a huge dilemma. I won't spoil it for you but what a dilemma it is. Kudos to the director for taking it one step further at the end. After the final frame there was a gasp then a slight hesitation before an applause. Just brilliant. Check it out if you can.

Timely cliff-hanger drama/ beautiful to watch and over too soon

[bdellis51 · 10/10 · 18 July 2012]

Beautiful to watch. This short film captured and drew me in from from the opening scene. Talented writer/director Padraig Reynolds is one to watch. The film's theme of a flawed political character faced with a moral decision is universal and rings true but it was the film's unusual and eerie settings so beautifully photographed that I didn't expect...brilliant. It felt like I was watching a full length feature film and I was entirely engrossed in the characters within minutes. The plot could play out a number of different ways and at the end of the film the Premiere audience was as engrossed as I was.. quiet and tense as the plot thickened. I think everyone was a bit stunned at the end and certainly hungry for more.

I knew of the director from an early career he had as a rock star back in the eighties but I had really no expectations when I was invited to the Premiere. It always surprises me when I come across people with so much talent that it spills over into these unexpected areas. Good for us!

Simple but effective

[bob the moo · 30 March 2014]

A husband and wife are driving together in a desert state. He is a candidate in a gubernatorial election in 3 days and she has stood beside him the whole way and finally it is starting to pay off. He seems off his game though, unwilling to do any more interviews or fundraisers and she attempts to talk him up as they drive.

This is a simple short film but it is done with a nice build and gradual reveal of what is going on. As a whole it is not too complex but it is very nicely paced and delivered to have a satisfying darkness to it. The cast make it a two-hander and they work together very well – Wise is always good and carries himself well, while Shaye is very good with her changing character during the film (or at least changing in the eyes of the viewer). The choice of location is very good as it gives an empty, chilling air to the piece, while the direction and almost total lack of soundtrack also adds to the impact (particularly the silent credits).

It is a simple, but it is short, very well paced and effective in what it does. Well worth a look.

the decision

[Kirpianuscus · 10 October 2020]

Memories about Lady Macbeth and the Clintons are mixed in this short film about power and its high price. An election candidat and his wife in desert. An accident and the need to cover it. And two attitudes. So, well crafted, too realistic, just seductive