The long awaited DreamWorks political drama is not about politics and politicians only. The central theme of the film is similar to that of our lives. This is not to say that we are involved in scandals on daily basis. Each and every one of us go through our bests and worst. Our character and problems are no about what we and how we do it. It is about how we handle them, i.e. issues and troubles. That is life and the central theme of Rod Lurie's 'The Contender'. 'The Contender' is the first true Oscar conte nder of this year. Without any doubt it will be forgotten for the major categories but should be able to pick up nominations and possibly awards for Best Actor and Best Actress. Gary Oldman and Joan Allen as always dominated the screen with their brilliant performances. Sam Elliot delivers one of his best performance and should be nominated for his supporting role. Director Rod Lurie mixed the ingredients of direction and his profession (Media) very well. The film is not good but great film. The film opens with a car traveling to an unknown destination with some heavy metal music which was unusual in the beginning. However, that question is answered after you watch the film. One of the best technical attribute of this film was its editing. Michael Jablow, Rod Lurie and Steven Spielberg (latter two uncredited) did a remarkable job. If you really pay attention to the scene transition (especially in the beginning) you will be reminded of the D-Day opening from 'Saving Private Ryan'. What can I say about the performances? Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges, Sam Elliot and Christian Slater all acted with full honesty. The two time back to back Oscar nominee Joan Allen (for 'Nixon' and 'The Crucible' in 1995-96) may finally win her Oscar this year. I am so glad that director Rod Lurie chose her for this role. Because before the script landed at DreamWorks, other studios suggested names like Michelle Pfeiffer for this role. Pfeiffer is a good actor but wouldn't be any director's first choice for this kind of a role. Thanks Lurie and DreamWorks for sticking to Joan Allen. Gary Oldman, the man who of thousand faces once again gave a performance that may end up getting him an Oscar for Best Actor. Once again, this character was made for him or should I say every character is made for him. I haven't seen many Gary Oldman films but after this I do intend to get them from local Blockbuster. The supporting performances from Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater and Sam Elliot filled the spaces for the missing ingredients in the film. I was really surprised by Christian Slater. Personally, I have never accepted him as an Actor. But after this film, I can seriously say, he has a good future in store. Overall the film was paced extremely well. As I said, the editing and performances were simply brilliant. Director Rod Lurie has definitely set a good career for himself. His next should also place itself in the Oscar Contender Category. 'Clink Inc' is about a Wall Street investment executive sentenced to prison uses her business knowledge to make things easier for herself and other inmates, changing prison from the inside... also from DreamWorks Pictures. Will the film do well commercially? With Election 2000 around the corner, it should definitely do well. Will it be recognized at the Oscars? For most categories but not for major ones.