2. Ben Davis
In this long shot from Election
(1999), our eyes are drawn to the
center of the frame where we
see Tracy Flick (Reese
Witherspoon) beaming with
elation in her most prideful
moment, unaware that her
desperate desire for self-
glorification has left her to
celebrate her achievement alone.
4. These two frames from the opening scene of Election
(1999), give a glimpse into the separate worlds of Jim
McAllister (Matthew Broderick) and Tracy Flick (Reese
Witherspoon) and how the clashing of the two affects each
character. Within the first frame, the characters are cut off
by a hallway, totally unaware of the other’s presence. They
both appear completely comfortable in their own
existence. McAllister has a relaxed stride and Flick swings
her crossed feet carelessly under the table.
This relaxed body language has disappeared in the second
frame, once the two have encountered each other.
McAllister now has tense, slightly elevated shoulders and
a stressed smile. Flick’s lips are pressed tightly together as
she stares at his back. The main conflict of the film
between an annoyed teacher and an overachieving
student is shown within these two frames.
-Christian Gainey
5. Frame from Election depicting Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon)
violently tearing down opponents’ posters.
The screenshot accompanying this text
depicts the trail of damage that Tracy
leaves as she tears through her
opponents’ posters. This long shot down
the hall shows Tracy as the subject. As the
scene goes on, she progressively fades
further into the background, leaving
behind the mess that resulted from her
hysteria. The scene displays Tracy as an
out of control monster, and just as she is
putting distance between her and the
camera, the viewer is also meant to feel
isolated from this hysterical candidate.
Election (1999)
Gregory M. Guidry
6. Election (1999)
Election successfully illustrates the
subjectivity of the characters by
playfully exaggerating the visuals
they imagine in their heads.
Linda Novotny’s (Delaney Driscoll) head
overlaying Diane McAllister’s (Molly
Hagan) body in medium close-up in a
scene displaying nonrealism.
Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick)
shown in medium close-up in his
daydream, imagining himself in an old
Italian film.
Amy Hicks
7. ONLINE CLASS VISUAL REVIEW OF
ELECTION(1999)
IN THIS LONG SHOT FROM ELECTION (1999), TAMMY (JESSICA CAMPBELL), AFTER
HER HEARTBREAKING REJECTION, SITS IN THE GRASS, GAZING AT THE LOCAL POWER
STATION AND WONDERING WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO EVAPORATE FROM SITTING
BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN WIRES; SHE PONDERS THE THOUGHT OF GIVING UP IN
THE MOST GROTESQUE, YET PEACEFUL WAY. THIS SCENE CHARACTERIZES THE
DREAMER SIDE OF TAMMY.
8. In this stylized shot in Election (1999), Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is portrayed in a different light than the
rest of the film. With Tracy being shot in a deep depth of field and with harsh shadows on the walls, this scene
portrays Tracy to look inferior, whereas, in the rest of the film, she is seen on top. The fact that you can’t see
Mr. Novotny’s face signifies him as her elder and it is as if he is taking away her innocence. -Grace Miller
9.
10. This frame from Alexander Payne’s 1999 film Election shows how Matthew Broderick’s character (Mr. McAllister)
attempts to foil Tracy Flick’s (played by Reese Witherspoon) plan of becoming class president have failed miserably
and backfired in his face. The use of a low camera angle suggests that, despite the failures Mr. McAllister has faced so
far, he still feels like he can stop Tracy, and feels that he still has the power to do it. The expression on Mr. McAllister’s
face also gives off some visual information: he keeps a straight face when entering the room to show Tracy that he is
unfazed by his failed plans even though the black eye on his face physically shows that he is already defeated.
A Frame of Life--By Nick Ryder
11.
12. Election (1999)
Jim McAllister’s (Matthew Broderick) immoral actions
cause him to transcend into an illusion of a romantic
high.
Tory A. Silinski
13. ELECTION: A FRAME
BY
KYLE SULLIVAN
TO ME, THIS FRAME IS VIOLENT, AS ALL OF TRACY FLICK’S FRUSTRATION,
AFTER REALIZING A PLAN FOR HER CAMPAIGN’S SABOTAGE IS AFOOT, IS
TAKEN OUT ON HER BUTTON-STAMPING MACHINE.
14. BLU-RAY BY THE CRITERION COLLECTION
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION:
• New, restored 4K digital transfer, supervised and approved by cowriter-director Alexander Payne, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master
Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
• Audio commentary from 1999 featuring Payne
• New interview with actor Reese Witherspoon
• The Passion of Martin, Payne’s 1990 UCLA thesis film, with a new introduction by the director
• TruInside: “Election,” a 2016 documentary featuring on-set footage and interviews with cast and crew
• Omaha local-news reports on the film’s production
• Trailer
• PLUS: An essay by critic Dana Stevens
For more information about this product, please visit: https://www.criterion.com/films/29335-election
