REEL CRITICS

Could be “The Contender” at Oscar time

A political thriller with satirical overtones, “The Contender”

presents us with major issues taken straight from the past two years of

newspaper headlines.

The story unfolds with wry humor and insider perspectives that reveal

the negative side of American politics at the highest level. Fans of the

hit television show “The West Wing” will find themselves in familiar

territory, but with a large dose of steamy sexual situations and tabloid

scandal thrown into the mix.

Director Rod Lurie keeps the story moving at a quick pace with the

help of actors well cast in their roles. Joan Allen does a great job as

Laine Hanson, a liberal female senator who is nominated to become vice

president after the sitting vice president has died.

Of course, she comes under heavy fire from right wing Republicans

during her confirmation hearing. Committee chairman Shelly Runyon (Gary

Oldman) is the chief inquisitor with a style reminiscent of Joe

McCarthy’s 1950s witch hunts for communists. But Hanson keeps her cool

and her dignity through all the unsavory allegations.

Jeff Bridges is excellent as Jackson Evans, a Clinton-like president

anxious to leave a positive legacy at the end of his term. Sam Elliot’s

strong presence and deep booming voice bring gravity to his role as

Kermit Newman, the president’s closest advisor and bearer of bad news to

those who are out of favor with the current administration.

Although this film strives for Hollywood’s version of political

correctness, it does raise valid questions about the double standard that

still remains in judging the personal behavior of men and women in their

intimate lives.

A lively and enjoyable movie, “The Contender” might even get a few

nods at Oscar time.

o7 “The Contender” is rated R for strong sexual content and language.

f7

* JOHN DEPKO, 48, is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.

The naked truth about “Dr. T and the Women”

It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Robert Altman’s classic

“Nashville” was released. It’s even harder to believe that 30 years ago,

“M*A*S*H*,” Altman’s most popular film, hit the screen. As we enter into

the 21st century, Altman returns with “Dr. T and the Women.”

“Dr. T” is set in the upper crust of Dallas, Texas. Richard Gere plays

Dr. Sullivan Travis, a popular Dallas gynecologist who is either wanted

or desired by the women in his life.

At home, his daughter Dee Dee (Kate Hudson) is about to get married,

while his other daughter, Connie (Tara Reid), is paranoid and skeptic

about the upcoming nuptials. Dr. T’s mentally ill wife, Kate (Farrah

Fawcett), is sent to an asylum after running around naked in a water

fountain at a shopping mall. Kate’s alcoholic sister, Peggy (Laura Dern),

is going through a divorce and moves in with her sister’s family,

bringing her three little girls.

Some of the people at the office want Dr. T sexually, including one of

his regular patients, Dorothy (Janine Turner), who keeps visiting the

doctor even though there’s nothing wrong with her. There’s also Dr. T’s

secretary, Carolyn (Shelly Long), who flirts with the doc when she’s not

taming the crowded waiting room.

The life of Dr. T is miserable and depressing, but it’s a pro golfer

named Bree (Helen Hunt) who helps Dr. T rediscover the fruits of life,

that life doesn’t consist of money, wealth and sex. That, instead, life

is fun, and that a good loving relationship needs communication just as

much as sex.

Like all of Altman’s films, “Dr. T” isn’t much on plot. It

concentrates more on the characters personalities than anything else.

“Dr. T” does have great acting, great characters, great dialogue and

great camera and editing scenes.

Unlike “Nashville” and “Short Cuts,” which are both around three

hours, the pacing of “Dr. T” is a bit slower, and it’s a hour shorter.

Altman is a actor’s director. Richard Gere performs one of his better

roles as the stressed-out doctor who finds sanctuary at the golf course

with Bree. Helen Hunt is enjoyable as Bree, the only woman in the film

who isn’t selfish, stuck-up and doesn’t have a Texan accent. Both Tara

Reid and Kate Hudson are good as the spoiled daughters with very

different personalities.

Laura Dern is funny as the ditsy sister-in-law who drinks as much as

she can whenever she can. Dern’s character reminded me of the Jane Curtin

character in Altman’s “O.C. Stiggs.”

And Shelly Long provides laughs as the love-stricken secretary of Dr.

T, who is too afraid to admit her true feelings. Like I said, it’s a

character film.

If you want to see a film rich in plot, then see “The Contender” or

“Almost Famous.” But for a film with rich characters and personalities,

watch “Dr. T.”

I enjoyed the artistic and visionary style of Altman in this film. I

was, however, disappointed in it’s pacing. And this is a film that has

quite a bit of nudity. I wasn’t surprised that this film got an R rating.

I did enjoy “Dr. T,” and if you’re an Altman fan, you will too. As for

those expecting another “Pretty Woman” or “Runaway Bride,” or if you’re a

non-Altman fan, you’re better off watching something else.

o7 “Dr. T and the Women” is rated R for graphic nudity and some

sexuality.f7

* MICHELLE HANCOCK, 27, lives in Newport Beach with her husband and

works for a Costa Mesa law firm.