A 2018 film written and directed by Jason Reitman about Senator Gary Hart, who in 1987 was considered the front runner for the Democratic Party presidential candidate before a scandal forced him to drop out.
After an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1983, Senator Hart (Hugh Jackman) regroups for another run in 1987. This time the political climate is in his favor with his rugged charm and Colorado background, the presidency feels within reach. A series of events end up with several journalists finding evidence of him having an affair with aspiring fund-raising activist Donna Rice. What would otherwise be a slow news day instead starts snowballing into a rising scandal, and once it starts negatively impacting his family Hart cancels his campaign.
Also starring J. K. Simmons, Vera Farmiga with Kaitlyn Dever, Molly Ephraim, Bill Burr, Alfred Molina and Mike Judge in supporting roles.
Tropes Used In The Film:
- Ambiguous Situation: It's never confirmed one way or another if Hart and Rice were actually having an affair, which both denied in real life. Photos of a second woman is briefly mentioned, but also not expanded upon.
- Deliberate Values Dissonance: Several politicians comment that back in the 60's and 70's it was an Open Secret that many people in Washington were having affairs, and it was considered common courtesy for journalists to ignore that. Hart has a really difficult time trying to convince the press that his policies are all that matters and not his personal life.
- End of an Era: The film presents this event as a switch in political journalism that started focusing more on the home life of candidates over their policies and public presentation.
- Spiritual Antithesis: Released close to The Post, which was a validation of journalism through the Pentagon Papers. This film takes an opposing viewpoint, the nasty side of journalism where it will end up favoring people with no shame.
