The Best Man

The Best Man is a captivating political drama movie that brilliantly portrays the cutthroat political scene of mid-twentieth-century America. Released in 1964, the film stars Hollywood heavyweight Henry Fonda, magnetic Cliff Robertson, and charismatic Edie Adams, with supplementary performances from a capable ensemble of colleagues best suited for their roles.

The plot of The Best Man converges on the power struggles, backstabbing, and strategic maneuvers that describe American politics. The movie presents a multifaceted view of characters jostling for influence, degenerating into enemies, and making sacrifices to achieve their goals.

Henry Fonda, one of the most respected actors in Hollywood history, is cast as Secretary William Russell, a candidate with an unblemished record of integrity and intelligence. Fonda’s rendition of Russell capably captures the agonizing contradictions and compromises that surface in the public life of such a politician.

Cliff Robertson plays Senator Joe Cantwell, an ambitious and ruthless candidate who views the opportunity to become the next president as a challenge of will and ambition. Robertson delivers a riveting portrayal of Cantwell, a ferocious competitor who is not afraid to weaponize smear tactics to outshine his rival and secure his seat.

Edie Adams, though less featured, provides an impressive performance as Mabel Cantwell, the shrewd wife of Senator Joe Cantwell. Adams's character brings an added layer of depth to the narrative. Her role reflects the intriguing dynamics and silent power of political spouses.

The gripping narrative of The Best Man is set against the backdrop of a fiercely contested presidential nomination convention. Here, both Russell and Cantwell go head to head to win the nomination and ultimately become, as the title implies, the 'best man' for the party and, in a broader sense, for the country.

Director Franklin J. Schaffner and screenwriter Gore Vidal do an excellent job of presenting a script that meticulously unpacks the psyche of its complicated characters while smoothly transitioning between scenes of tension, exhaustion, and elation. The movie deals head-on with subjects such as integrity, loyalty, ambition, public and private morality, all circling around the theme of political power and the consequent corruption.

The production design of The Best Man also merits exacting praise for the authentic exhibition of the era profiled. The smoking-filled backroom scenes are masterfully decorated, capturing the feel and aura of key political maneuvers that become the turning points of the candidates' lives.

The camera work is strikingly artistic for its time, employing a bunch of techniques that include slow zooms and notable tracking shots that add to the movie's allure. This film is not just about the spoken lines; it is equally about the spaces between the words, the loaded silences, and the unspoken yet palpable tension.

As a time capsule of the 60s era of American politics, The Best Man offers a sophisticated look at the behind-the-scenes machinations that decide who carries the baton of leadership. What sets it apart is its enduring relevance as it resonates with present-day audiences familiar with the dogged battles, horse-trading, and unique dynamics that define the political contests even today.

It's worth mentioning that the excellent performances of the cast and the compelling narrative born from a sharp script are the movie's strongest attributes. Fonda and Robertson truly own their respective roles, engaging in a psychological battle that not only tests their characters’ mettle but also implicates the very nature of political power and the lengths to which one might go to secure it.

The movie's climax fully satisfies, shedding light on the real 'Best Man,' offering a significant food-for-thought for the audience, leaving them mulling over the true nature of political leadership and the complex challenges it presents. What's probably most impressive about the movie is this looming question about the nature of power— who is truly worthy of it?

In conclusion, The Best Man is a riveting political drama that offers an insightful examination of presidential candidacy, political aspirations, and private struggles. With its robust performances, compelling narrative, and sharp dialogue, it's a classic that has not lost its relevance or its power.