Election (1999) Watch Online Free

Tracy Flick is running unopposed for this year’s high school student election. But Jim McAllister has a different plan. Partly to establish a more democratic election, and partly to satisfy some deep personal anger toward Tracy, Jim talks football player Paul Metzler to run for president as well.

Election (1999), directed by Alexander Payne, is a dark political satire that delves into the complexities of ambition, morality, and the consequences of personal decisions. The film is based on Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name and follows the story of a high school election in a suburban American town. The central character is Tracy Flick (played by Reese Witherspoon), an ambitious and determined high school student who is running for student body president. Her desire for power and control drives much of the plot, but she faces opposition from various characters who have their own agendas.

The film is narrated from multiple perspectives, including Tracy’s, the high school teacher Mr. McAllister (played by Matthew Broderick), and others, which allows the audience to see the events from different viewpoints and adds complexity to the story. Mr. McAllister is a teacher who is disillusioned with his life and is secretly having an affair with a colleague. He becomes increasingly frustrated with Tracy’s relentless ambition, which leads him to try to sabotage her campaign by encouraging a popular but lazy student, Paul (played by Chris Klein), to run against her.

As the election progresses, Tracy’s determination grows, and she will stop at nothing to win. Meanwhile, Mr. McAllister’s personal and professional life begins to unravel as his actions toward Tracy spiral out of control. The film’s climax reveals the consequences of the characters’ choices, with Tracy eventually winning the election, but not without significant personal and moral costs for everyone involved.

Themes of Election

Election is a sharp commentary on ambition, power, morality, and the complexity of human relationships. The film explores how personal motivations can shape decisions and the consequences of those decisions. Several key themes emerge throughout the film:

1. Ambition and PowerAt the heart of Election is the theme of ambition. Tracy Flick’s single-minded pursuit of the student body presidency reflects her desire for control and recognition. She is driven by a need to succeed and prove herself, but her ambition is not without flaws. The film contrasts Tracy’s ambition with Mr. McAllister’s sense of disillusionment and moral decline, showing how ambition can be both a motivating force and a destructive one.
2. Morality and CorruptionThe film also delves into the theme of morality and how people compromise their values to achieve their goals. Mr. McAllister, for instance, is a morally conflicted character who, despite his position as a teacher, engages in unethical behavior by attempting to sabotage Tracy’s campaign. Similarly, Tracy’s relentless drive to win the election leads her to manipulate and deceive those around her. The film suggests that in the pursuit of success, characters often sacrifice their moral compass.
3. The Consequences of Personal DecisionsElection emphasizes the long-term consequences of personal decisions. Each character in the film makes choices that affect not only their own lives but also the lives of others. Mr. McAllister’s decision to interfere with Tracy’s election campaign leads to his own downfall, while Tracy’s manipulative behavior alienates those around her. The film illustrates how seemingly small decisions can snowball into larger, life-altering consequences.
4. Youth and MaturityThe film also explores the contrast between youth and maturity, particularly through the characters of Tracy and Mr. McAllister. Tracy’s youthful ambition and drive contrast with Mr. McAllister’s cynicism and disillusionment. While Tracy’s actions may seem overzealous and naive, they also represent the purity of youthful determination. On the other hand, Mr. McAllister’s actions reflect the disillusionment that often comes with age and experience.
5. The Nature of Power and InfluenceElection examines the ways in which power and influence are wielded in both overt and subtle ways. Tracy uses her position as a popular student to manipulate others, while Mr. McAllister uses his authority as a teacher to try to control the outcome of the election. The film explores how power dynamics play out in different environments, from high school to adult life, and how individuals can use their influence to achieve personal goals.

5 Reasons to Watch Election

1. Reese Witherspoon’s Outstanding PerformanceReese Witherspoon delivers a breakout performance as Tracy Flick, portraying the character’s ambition, determination, and moral complexity with nuance. Her portrayal of Tracy’s relentless pursuit of power is both compelling and chilling, making her one of the most memorable characters in modern film.
2. Matthew Broderick’s Complex RoleMatthew Broderick’s portrayal of Mr. McAllister is equally impressive. He brings depth to a character who is morally conflicted, disillusioned, and often flawed. Broderick’s performance is both comedic and tragic, capturing the character’s internal struggle and his descent into ethical compromise.
3. Sharp Satire and Social CommentaryElection is a biting satire that offers sharp commentary on American politics, ambition, and the nature of power. The film critiques the way individuals manipulate situations for personal gain and the moral compromises they make in the process.
4. Clever Writing and DialogueThe film’s screenplay, adapted from Tom Perrotta’s novel, is sharp, witty, and full of dark humor. The dialogue is fast-paced and filled with subtle nuances that reveal the true motivations of the characters, making it a joy to watch and analyze
5. Exploration of Complex CharactersElection is filled with multi-dimensional characters who are not easily categorized as good or bad. Tracy Flick is both ambitious and manipulative, while Mr. McAllister is both sympathetic and ethically compromised. The complexity of the characters adds depth to the film and keeps the audience engaged. These nuanced portrayals allow viewers to empathize with each character, despite their flaws, making the film more thought-provoking and realistic.

How Will You Feel After Watching Election?

After watching Election, you will likely feel a mix of emotions, ranging from amusement to discomfort. The film’s dark humor and satirical tone may make you laugh, but the underlying themes of moral compromise, ambition, and power struggles may also leave you feeling uneasy. The characters, particularly Tracy and Mr. McAllister, are morally complex, and their actions force the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature.

You may feel conflicted about the characters, as their flaws and ambitions are relatable yet unsettling. Tracy’s single-minded pursuit of success and Mr. McAllister’s ethical decline may leave you reflecting on your own values and the consequences of your actions. The film challenges viewers to consider the price of ambition and the moral compromises that come with the pursuit of power.

Ultimately, Election is a film that will make you think. It’s a sharp, witty, and often uncomfortable exploration of human behavior, and it will likely leave you contemplating the complexities of ambition, morality, and the choices we make in our lives. It’s a film that sticks with you, making you reflect on how ambition shapes our decisions and the consequences of those decisions on ourselves and others.