The Candidate is a 1972 political satire directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford as Bill McKay, a young and idealistic lawyer who is recruited by Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle), a campaign advisor for the Democratic Party, to run for the U.S. Senate from California against the incumbent Republican Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter).
At first, McKay is reluctant to run, as he has no political experience and doesn't believe in the corrupt system of politics. However, Lucas convinces him that this is an opportunity to voice his ideals and make a difference. He agrees to run on the condition that he can speak his mind and not follow the usual scripted speeches.
McKay's campaign gains momentum as he speaks passionately about the issues that he cares about, such as environmental protection, racial equality, and ending the war in Vietnam. His unorthodox approach, combined with his good looks and charisma, win him the support of the media and the public, who see in him a breath of fresh air.
As the campaign progresses, McKay's message becomes less clear, and he starts to lose his grip on his ideals. He finds himself compromising his principles to appeal to a broader audience, and he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the political process. Meanwhile, Lucas, who has his own agenda, manipulates the media to support McKay, using his image to gain power for himself.
In the end, McKay wins the election, but the victory leaves him feeling empty and unsure of his future. The film ends with him asking: "What do we do now?" as if realizing that the act of winning may not be enough to make a lasting change.
The Candidate is a timeless film that explores the complexities of political campaigns and the high cost of compromise. It is a reminder that no matter how pure our intentions may be, the system can often corrupt us, leaving us disheartened and uncertain of our place in the world.