Election

Election

Year: 1999

Runtime: 103 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Alexander Payne

Budget: $25M

DramaComedyRomance

An overachieving high school student's determination to win the election for class president is challenged when a teacher schemes to prevent her victory. What begins as a seemingly minor conflict escalates into a comedic and insightful exploration of ambition, manipulation, and the complexities of adolescent politics. The rivalry between the student and teacher exposes the flaws and absurdities within the school's social hierarchy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Election (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Election (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, aligning with the socio-political climate of the late 1990s. During this time, themes of ambition, competition, and the challenges of youth resonate strongly. The societal pressures faced by the characters reflect the complexities of modern adolescence.

Location

Omaha, Nebraska, New York City, Washington D.C.

The movie primarily takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, known for its vibrant arts scene and historical landmarks. As Jim McAllister navigates the tumultuous high school environment, the narrative also explores his subsequent relocation to New York City, a bustling metropolis filled with opportunities and challenges. The conclusion in Washington D.C. signifies the political aspects of ambition and success.

🏙️ City 📚 Education

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

Main Characters – Election (1999)

Meet the key characters of Election (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jim McAllister

Jim is a well-respected history teacher whose life unravels as he becomes entangled in the ambitious schemes of his students. Initially a figure of authority, his moral compromise during the election reveals his vulnerabilities and deep-seated desperation. His journey emphasizes the complexity of human ambition and the fragility of personal integrity.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 😞 Fallibility

Tracy Flick

Tracy is a fiercely ambitious student who embodies determination and self-importance. Her relentless drive to succeed often blinds her to the ethical implications of her actions, showcasing a complex character driven by external pressures and internal desires. The film highlights her path to power, contrasting her success with her social isolation.

📈 Ambitious 💔 Isolated

Paul Metzler

Paul is a charming but naïve football player whose lack of ambition is juxtaposed against Tracy's drive. Encouraged to run for president, he becomes a symbol of unintentional involvement in the political machinations of high school. His journey reflects the pressures faced by students even when they prefer a laid-back approach to life.

🏈 Athlete 🐻 Naive

Tammy Metzler

Tammy is a rebellious spirit whose candid remarks challenge the status quo of student government. Her journey of self-discovery amid her brother's presidential race showcases her desire for authenticity versus societal expectations. Despite facing repercussions for her honesty, she ultimately embraces her individuality.

🌈 Rebellious 🎤 Authentic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

Major Themes – Election (1999)

Explore the central themes of Election (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Ambition

Ambition drives the characters, particularly Tracy Flick, whose desire for success manifests in ruthless tactics. Jim McAllister's internal struggle highlights the consequences of competing ambitions, revealing how personal aspirations can lead to moral dilemmas. Ultimately, the story examines the often lonely pursuit of goals in a high-stakes environment.

⚖️ Consequences

The film explores the repercussions of actions taken in the name of ambition. Jim's decision to tamper with election results leads to his social ostracization and professional downfall. This theme underscores the idea that every choice can have significant and lasting consequences, both personally and publicly.

😔 Isolation

Despite achieving their goals, characters like Tracy find themselves isolated in their success. The film poignantly portrays the loneliness that can accompany relentless ambition, illustrating that victory can sometimes lead to unexpected social consequences and alienation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

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Dark Satires of Ambition and Moral Compromise like in Election

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satiricalcynicalambitiousabsurdmanipulativefrustratedcringe comedy

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a linear escalation, where a protagonist's determined pursuit of a goal creates a ripple effect of complications. Obsession leads to moral compromises, pitting characters against each other in a battle of wits that exposes their flaws and the inherent absurdity of their social or professional world.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a cynical, observant tone and a focus on character-driven conflict. They blend comedy with a critical eye on human behavior, resulting in stories that are intellectually engaging and darkly amusing without being overly tragic.

Microcosm Dramas Where Small Conflicts Spiral like in Election

Insular worlds where a minor dispute escalates into a major crisis.Find movies similar to Election that explore how a small-scale setting can become a battlefield for major personal wars. If you liked watching a high school election expose the flaws of an entire social hierarchy, you'll enjoy these contained, character-driven dramas.

anxiousfrustratedsatiricalsocial hierarchyrivalryconsequencesabsurd

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a confined setting that heightens the stakes of a localized conflict. What begins as a minor power struggle or personal grievance steadily escalates through miscommunication, manipulation, and pride, ultimately forcing characters to confront larger truths about themselves and their community.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their use of an insular setting as a narrative device to explore universal themes. The steady pacing and moderate complexity allow for deep character exploration, creating a sense of anxious absurdity as petty conflicts take on epic proportions.

Unlock the Full Story of Election

Don't stop at just watching — explore Election in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Election is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Election Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Election, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Election Summary

Election Timeline

Track the full timeline of Election with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Election Timeline

Election Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Election that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Election Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Election

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Election: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Election

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