For the first time in the SummerDocs series’ history, a classic documentary will be shown “whose political subject matter will allow for a fascinating discussion in this sui generis election year” says David Nugent, Hamptons International Film Festival Artistic Director David Nugent.
Sometimes horrifying, often hilarious, A PERFECT CANDIDATE is a twisted journey into the underbelly of American politics. In 1994 former Marine Oliver North re- emerged from the Iran-Contra scandal to run for the U.S Senate to spark one of modern politics’ most outrageous elections. In the hotly contested race between North and incumbent Chuck Robb – who played Charlie Brown to Ollie’s Elvis – filmmakers R.J. Cutler and David Van Taylor were granted astonishing access to the back room games played by the candidates, their handlers, and the press. The result is a revealing, chilling and darkly funny look into the modern political process.
Sometimes called the “evil twin” of the Pennebaker/ Hegedus classic The War Room, A PERFECT CANDIDATE screened in over 70 theaters nationwide, and on Channel 4 UK; and was nominated for an Emmy and short-listed for an Oscar. Its 2004 DVD release confirmed the film’s lasting value, and prompted The Onion to call it “brilliant, riveting, and unforgettable … a great film about American elections and the people who control them,” while the New Yorker declared “it couldn’t be more relevant.”
Reserved Seating: $25 ($23 GH Members)
The John Drew Theater in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, New York 11937, 631.324.0806; Tickets available at GuildHall.org; Box Office; 631.324.4050; Theatermania.com; or 1.866.811.4111.
Free Saunders Student Rush tickets available