The Campaign

The Campaign

Year: 2012

Runtime: 85 min

Language: Danish

Director: Jay Roach

Comedy

In this laugh-out-loud comedy, two CEOs concoct a scheme to topple a charismatic congressman by backing an unlikely candidate: Marty Huggins, a naivety-filled director of the local Tourism Center. As Marty's campaign gains momentum with the help of ruthless advisors and family connections, he finds himself in a hilarious dead heat with Cam Brady, resulting in a no-holds-barred battle for political supremacy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Campaign (2012)
Trace every key event in The Campaign (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Cam Brady's Unopposed Campaign

Democratic Congressman Cam Brady is running unopposed for his fifth term in North Carolina's 14th District. His campaign starts off strong as he has no competitors, appearing confident in his reelection.

North Carolina, District 14
2

The Scandal Breaks

Cam's campaign takes a serious hit when he accidentally leaves a sexually explicit voicemail on a local family's phone. This incident reveals his affair with one of his supporters, damaging his image and opening the door for a challenger.

Hammond, North Carolina
3

The Motch Brothers' Scheme

Brothers Glen and Wade Motch, corrupt businessmen, persuade Marty Huggins to run against Cam. Their ulterior motive is to exploit political power to facilitate illegal dealings with Chinese companies and profit from manufacturing.

Hammond, North Carolina
4

Marty Huggins' Transformation

Tim Wattley is hired as Marty's campaign manager, rebranding Marty as a successful entrepreneur and family man. This leads to a surge in Marty's popularity, catching Cam off guard.

5

Cam's Campaign Hits Rock Bottom

In a disastrous campaign moment, Cam accidentally punches a baby while trying to hit Marty. This incident further declines his approval ratings and he struggles to maintain his image.

Hammond, North Carolina
6

Al Qaeda Accusations

Desperate to regain control of his campaign, Cam attempts to smear Marty by portraying him as an Al Qaeda terrorist. However, Marty's counterattack reveals Cam's lack of true Christian values, challenging his base.

7

Snake Bite Incident

In an attempt to rehabilitate his image, Cam visits a church known for snake handling. Unfortunately for him, he gets bitten by a snake, and the video goes viral, ironically boosting his popularity.

Snake-handling church
8

Cam's Regret and Visit to Marty

Realizing he has set a poor example for his son, Cam visits Marty to make amends. He shares a reflection on his motivations for entering politics, revealing a glimpse of his genuine self.

9

Cam's Arrest

After a night of drinking, Cam is reported to the police by Marty and gets arrested for driving under the influence. This incident causes another blow to his campaign as it draws attention away from his political agenda.

10

Debate Disaster

During a debate, Marty deconstructs a childhood story of Cam's, branding it a 'communist manifesto.' In a fit of aggression, Cam accidentally punches the dog from 'The Artist,' further alienating voters.

Debate stage
11

The Sex Tape Leak

In retaliation for Marty's campaign ads, Cam seduces Marty's wife, Mitzy, and records the encounter. The release of the tape becomes a scandal, humiliating the Huggins family and creating chaos.

12

Marty's Revenge

During a hunting trip, Marty shoots Cam in the leg, which significantly enhances his popularity as a candidate. This bold move shifts public sentiment as he aligns with the underdog narrative.

Hunting grounds
13

Marty Rejects the Motch Brothers

Marty discovers the Motch brothers' plans for their real estate developments and decides to reject their support. This realization highlights his growth as a candidate and reinforces his commitment to the community.

14

Election Day and Aftermath

On election day, despite winning overall due to rigged voting machines, Cam reflects on his journey. Realizing he had lost sight of his true objectives, he withdraws from the election, allowing Marty to win by default.

Election Day
15

Exposing the Motch Brothers

Six months later, Marty and Cam join forces to expose the Motch brothers' corruption. They call the brothers to testify before Congress, leading to their eventual arrest and highlighting the impact of Citizens United.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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