Awfully familiar stuff about persons who take pride in the career over their family and power corrupting, the film is however quite well acted, which brings it above par of its type. Alan Alda and Meryl Streep are both excellent, and although Melvyn Douglas won an Oscar in the same year as this film for 'Being There', he deserves it more here. The acting bridges on being melodramatic from the rest of the cast, but it is hard not to call this a well acted film with those three great performances. There is also some insight into American politics, but the film does assume a bit more than just a basic understanding already, and therefore there is a chance that viewers not familiar with American politics will wind up confused. The music choices are rather poor, and there is one very silly sequence put to square dancing music. Overall though, this is a reasonable film. It does have its flaws, but it has excellent acting to compensate. It might not show anything new or explain everything well, but it is certainly adequate entertainment for its running time.
18 Reviews
Accurate
Zorro-328 September 2001
I was a senatorial intern in the 70's. (Fortunately never seduced.)
But this film accurately depicted the City of the Time.
Watch for the two or three second bit that depicts the "auto-pen."
When I was an intern, I was interviewed by my small-hometown-newspaper, and instructed by my supervisor that I could discuss anything, I could even disagree with the Senator, but I WAS NOT TO MENTION THE AUTO-PEN!!!
The auto-pen was a device that manipulated an actual felt-tip pen to produce a signature replica to make it appear that the Senator had actually signed a letter.
But this film accurately depicted the City of the Time.
Watch for the two or three second bit that depicts the "auto-pen."
When I was an intern, I was interviewed by my small-hometown-newspaper, and instructed by my supervisor that I could discuss anything, I could even disagree with the Senator, but I WAS NOT TO MENTION THE AUTO-PEN!!!
The auto-pen was a device that manipulated an actual felt-tip pen to produce a signature replica to make it appear that the Senator had actually signed a letter.
Very enjoyable, but not a classic
FrankStanko2 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Let's begin with the good, shall we? First of all, the acting was top notch. Alan Alda, as many have noted, was perfect playing a liberal, sensitive, funny guy WITHOUT being "Hawkeye Pierce goes to Washington." From there, we have his ex-Broadway costar Barbara Harris once again giving a brilliant performance (love the cutaway from her fight to the speech she gives)as a woman who just wants to live her life. As well, Meryl Streep is on hand, about two seconds before she really hit it big, along with Melvyn Douglas, who, evidently, was 1979's go-to "aging gentleman." And of course, special mention must be given to Rip Torn, who stars in one VERY prophetic sequence.
Now, we move onto what keeps this film from the best of list. I'm sad to say, the story wasn't terribly interesting. To begin, we have the fight to get a racist off the Supreme Court. But, once that's said and done, we're stuck in a love triangle between Streep, Alda, and Harris, with extra plot dealing with Blanche Baker's growing pains. It's the story old as the hills, though the performances REALLY helped me stick to the very ambiguous end (Does she take him back? Does anyone know?).
But, I only saw this today. Perhaps a second viewing will help me decide.
Now, we move onto what keeps this film from the best of list. I'm sad to say, the story wasn't terribly interesting. To begin, we have the fight to get a racist off the Supreme Court. But, once that's said and done, we're stuck in a love triangle between Streep, Alda, and Harris, with extra plot dealing with Blanche Baker's growing pains. It's the story old as the hills, though the performances REALLY helped me stick to the very ambiguous end (Does she take him back? Does anyone know?).
But, I only saw this today. Perhaps a second viewing will help me decide.
Engrossing political/romantic drama with fine performances by its stars.
back2wsoc8 January 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is a middle-aged senator campaigning for a seat in the senate. Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep in an early, slightly vampish performance) is an attractive blonde political researcher from Louisiana helping Tynan fight against a Southern senator who is in favor of segregation. During this time, Joe and Karen succumb to mounting pressures and have an explosive, sexually-charged (but transitory) affair. This, in addition to a turbulent home life with his neurotic wife Ellie (Barbara Harris, who is luminous) and troubled teenage daughter Janet (Blanche Baker), further complicates Joe's life in his quest of going up for office. An emotionally adult story, with elements of politics and humanity nicely woven together by writer-star Alda, but there are some questions left to be answered: What exactly is wrong with Janet, and why doesn't Joe take other measures (beyond asking questions) to try to relate to her? Why isn't this same attention paid to his equally distant son? The most noteworthy moments in the movie are the poignant scene when elderly Senator Birney (Melvyn Douglas, in one of his final roles) rambles on in French at the senate hearing, an allusion to oncoming senility, and the tense fight scene at home when Tynan is confronted by Ellie about his affair. An remarkably effective drama about the war between politics and the All-American Family. *** of ****
Politics drama or Romance?
avandeburgt27 March 2020
How did she pilot that plane ? Maybe it should have been run on Netflix Rip Torn's character is a real pig but at least know it
In the bedroom scene between Alda and Streep in a room with a bed and that's what the room is for his character to get her character in bed
this is less about politics and more about the sex but I did not think the sex scene was all that funny a man betraying his family and children is not funny
didn"t someone say that Karen Traynor helped him fight another senate battle which says this wasn't their first go round with one another and he was power tripping from the get-go
the trivia it never mentioned that Alan Alda had personally picked Meryl Streep for this picture
After a while, you forget what you're really here for.
mark.waltz10 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
That profound philosophy comes from one of the colleagues of Senator Joe Tynan (Alan Alda), involved in conflict with other senators over an immigration bill and a rival politician (Maurice Copeland) other senators are trying to keep out of office. Alda is having problems in his marriage to Barbara Harris and turns to the pretty (and also married) Meryl Streep, an influencial lawyer, for an affair. With a troubled teenage daughter (Blanche Baker) demanding constant attention, it's obvious that Alda and Harris need a long vacation alone in order to repair their marriage.
A powerful performance by the legendary Melvyn Douglas is key to the success of the film, and his reception in this helped lead him to a second Oscar for "Being There" the same year. Also involved in the senatorial conflict is Rip Torn, a senator so vile in behavior that wife Carrie Nye declares her determination never to share a cup with him. When he gets into a gumbo eating speed contest with Alda and wins (which leads to Torn running out of the room to get sick), it's easy to see why so many politicians can't stand each other, and why they must have press secretaries to keep their real personalities secret, or in the case of Alda's daughter Baker, the personalities of their children.
There's also Charles Kimbrough, Michael Higgins and Robert Christian in major parts, with Kimbrough unrecognizable from his long role on "Murphy Brown". I wish there was more of Nye, very Tallulah-esque (having just been nominated for an Emmy for playing Tallulah in "The Scarlet O'Hara Wars"), and getting some very funny lines in her brief time on screen. Alda's script may not be "The Manchurian Candidate" or "The Best Man", but is quite realistic. Alda, Harris and Streep are all excellent. Strong direction by Jerry Schatzberg makes this stronger as well.
A powerful performance by the legendary Melvyn Douglas is key to the success of the film, and his reception in this helped lead him to a second Oscar for "Being There" the same year. Also involved in the senatorial conflict is Rip Torn, a senator so vile in behavior that wife Carrie Nye declares her determination never to share a cup with him. When he gets into a gumbo eating speed contest with Alda and wins (which leads to Torn running out of the room to get sick), it's easy to see why so many politicians can't stand each other, and why they must have press secretaries to keep their real personalities secret, or in the case of Alda's daughter Baker, the personalities of their children.
There's also Charles Kimbrough, Michael Higgins and Robert Christian in major parts, with Kimbrough unrecognizable from his long role on "Murphy Brown". I wish there was more of Nye, very Tallulah-esque (having just been nominated for an Emmy for playing Tallulah in "The Scarlet O'Hara Wars"), and getting some very funny lines in her brief time on screen. Alda's script may not be "The Manchurian Candidate" or "The Best Man", but is quite realistic. Alda, Harris and Streep are all excellent. Strong direction by Jerry Schatzberg makes this stronger as well.
An unusual film
Jeremy_Urquhart12 August 2023
This is a strange little film, and I think it only really popped up on my radar because of the stars: Alan Alda and Meryl Streep (both are great in general, obviously). The former also wrote this, and I don't think he did a terrible job - not as good as some of the episodes he wrote for M*A*S*H, but still okay, if flawed. But to whoever picked the title, I'm not sure why they went with The Seduction of Joe Tynan. That's not a good title.
The film's a political drama with some odd comedic beats at the most random of times. I guess it feels like it's about politicians being hypocritical and wild behind-the-scenes, all the while putting up a front, but if it's trying to be satirical, it definitely doesn't nail that tone. I think it also loses the thread a few times; any time it suddenly starts focusing on family drama, it feels very jarring.
Many of the individual scenes are good or entertaining on their own. The dialogue's generally good, and delivered well, with mostly strong performances. I think it's all put together in a very strange way though, that makes it feel messy, but that unpredictability and chaotic structure also makes it interesting in its own strange way.
The Seduction of Joe Tynan was only partially successful in seducing me as a viewer. It was interesting and kept my attention fairly well, but it was also kind of a mess.
The film's a political drama with some odd comedic beats at the most random of times. I guess it feels like it's about politicians being hypocritical and wild behind-the-scenes, all the while putting up a front, but if it's trying to be satirical, it definitely doesn't nail that tone. I think it also loses the thread a few times; any time it suddenly starts focusing on family drama, it feels very jarring.
Many of the individual scenes are good or entertaining on their own. The dialogue's generally good, and delivered well, with mostly strong performances. I think it's all put together in a very strange way though, that makes it feel messy, but that unpredictability and chaotic structure also makes it interesting in its own strange way.
The Seduction of Joe Tynan was only partially successful in seducing me as a viewer. It was interesting and kept my attention fairly well, but it was also kind of a mess.
The political issues are still relevant...but the film cannot keep itself on point
moonspinner554 December 2010
Well-acted, occasionally well-observed drama which fails to deliver on its early promise. Joe Tynan is a forthright U.S. Senator, the latest young liberal hotshot, who jeopardizes his long-term marriage and home-life by initiating an affair with a civil rights activist. He's been carrying on with this also-married woman in various hotel rooms on the road, though Tynan's unhappy wife has more on her mind than his infidelity: she wants a life away from the political arena. As Tynan, Alan Alda, who also scripted, opens the film pressing Congress to pass a bill that would create a million new jobs in a distressed economy. One may watch this sequence and feel he's come upon a recent Congressional hearing via C-SPAN. Unfortunately, Bill Conti's animated music reminds us this is just a political lark--a vehicle for Alda, then a hot property from television's "M*A*S*H"--while the film's poor color and visual composition give hint this theatrical release was made on a limited budget. Alda becomes a Presidential hopeful practically off-screen, while his constituents bray in the background and play trade-off with each other's wives at Washington parties. This is all quite trenchant, and Tynan's face-off with a bigoted fellow senator is topical, but Alda's screenplay isn't really interested in the inner-workings of Capitol Hill. He's too anxious to get his character into bed with honey-voiced Meryl Streep (third-billed), who is shown to be a smart and savvy lady--though one who is just as unable to control her desires as Tynan. We don't learn much about the Streep character's situation, however the actress's sneaky, intricate force wheedles its way through and she just about walks off with the picture. Melvyn Douglas is surprisingly frittered away as an elder Senator, while Barbara Harris as Joe's wife isn't allowed to showcase her fringe assets (that dazed-and-dreamy voice coupled with the wobbly retorts). Alda is, of course, ideally cast for the lead, and his pained, sensitive expressions are contrasted quite well with his pent-up exasperation. The movie ultimately doesn't offer much because Alda can't stick with one scenario long enough for the picture to take-off as a whole. The film's overall design is dreadful, and director Jerry Schatzberg shows no style whatsoever, yet those little pinpoints scattered about show that not much has changed in Congress (nor in our country) in the last 31 years. ** from ****
Man Neglects Family For Career.
rmax30482310 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Alan Alda has a benign presence here, as in most of his work, but his range is a little greater than it's been given credit for. He was a perfect arrogant slimeball as Robert Gallo in "The Band Played On." But he's believable here as a good-natured family man, a Democratic U. S. Senator from New York, who is torn between his friendship for an aging mentor, Melvyn Douglas, and his principles. Douglas wants him to endorse the president's nominee for the Supreme Court, a former racist. That opposition will bring him to national attention but it will mean betraying some of those who have helped him in the past and could help him in the future. It also means skewering on national television the nominee, who may in fact have been nothing more than a well-meaning and effective pragmatist in compromising desegregation ten or fifteen years ago.
There's also a problem with Alda's home life. There usually is when a man is dedicated to a demanding career. Look at the number of times John Wayne's love life was shredded because of his commitment to the military.
On top of that, Tynan is seduced not only by the opportunity to climb the political ladder, but literally by Meryl Streep, the wife of a prominent Southern personage.
It's all just terrible. Alda's wife, Barbara Harris, in a nice scene, is introduced to Streep and can tell in an instant that there has been not just an exchange of information and advice between Streep and Alda but also an exchange of bodily fluids.
The movie ends the way John Wayne's movies ended, with the wife coming around to her husband's point of view. Streep wipes away her tears and boards an airplane to return home. Harris really does give a nicely shaded performance. While Alda stands on the platform at the Democratic National Convention, accepting the riotous applause, ready to give the speech that will launch him into stardom, he stares at Harris, whose face melts from dispassionate disapproval to subdued acceptance. Nice job.
But the story, though it has its moments, is a little weak. It's hard to follow the various intrigues and one or two loose ends remain. (Eg., what happens to Melvyn Douglas as he lapses into senility before the cameras?) And some scenes are too drawn out -- Streep and Alda giggling and wrestling around in bed, pouring cold beer on each other. Ditto for a scene with Alda and Harris. We get the point; we get it, honest.
It reminded me of another movie that appeared about the same time, Robert Redford's "The Candidate." Neither is an epic expose of political and personal life in Washington. Their ambitions may be hefty but the budgets for both were a little smaller. "The Candidate" is marginally the better movie.
Best scene: a rivalry between two pols, Alda and Rip Torn, to see who can east the most of Torn's hellishly hot Cajun stew without throwing up. It's pretty funny.
Worth catching once in a while, mainly for the performances.
There's also a problem with Alda's home life. There usually is when a man is dedicated to a demanding career. Look at the number of times John Wayne's love life was shredded because of his commitment to the military.
On top of that, Tynan is seduced not only by the opportunity to climb the political ladder, but literally by Meryl Streep, the wife of a prominent Southern personage.
It's all just terrible. Alda's wife, Barbara Harris, in a nice scene, is introduced to Streep and can tell in an instant that there has been not just an exchange of information and advice between Streep and Alda but also an exchange of bodily fluids.
The movie ends the way John Wayne's movies ended, with the wife coming around to her husband's point of view. Streep wipes away her tears and boards an airplane to return home. Harris really does give a nicely shaded performance. While Alda stands on the platform at the Democratic National Convention, accepting the riotous applause, ready to give the speech that will launch him into stardom, he stares at Harris, whose face melts from dispassionate disapproval to subdued acceptance. Nice job.
But the story, though it has its moments, is a little weak. It's hard to follow the various intrigues and one or two loose ends remain. (Eg., what happens to Melvyn Douglas as he lapses into senility before the cameras?) And some scenes are too drawn out -- Streep and Alda giggling and wrestling around in bed, pouring cold beer on each other. Ditto for a scene with Alda and Harris. We get the point; we get it, honest.
It reminded me of another movie that appeared about the same time, Robert Redford's "The Candidate." Neither is an epic expose of political and personal life in Washington. Their ambitions may be hefty but the budgets for both were a little smaller. "The Candidate" is marginally the better movie.
Best scene: a rivalry between two pols, Alda and Rip Torn, to see who can east the most of Torn's hellishly hot Cajun stew without throwing up. It's pretty funny.
Worth catching once in a while, mainly for the performances.
Art Predicting life
alicecbr25 February 2005
As Rip Torn is getting a blow job in his senatorial office, an aide looks down and sees a woman's legs under the desk. The senator from La. tells the aide to leave, and we see the bewildered look on his face as he leaves. Small wonder, though, as this movie which shows the salacious side of life in D.C. goes on to reveal wild parties. This same senator is seen bragging on his mile-high exploits and the party climaxes in the grand piano being shoved out the window and traveling down the driveway, flowers on top intact.
Barbara Harris does a great job as the senator's wife. The role of the reluctant teen-ager is not fully developed, and her absence at the great nomination event of the Democratic party is not explained. When you contrast this movie with the carefully orchestrated phoniness of the Republican National Convention, you see easily how our 'free and open' society has degenerated. There were no riot cops with batons and stun guns suppressing the dissidents at this convention.
Alda is still too much of a nice guy in this movie, although he does sexual lust really well, ripping off Streep's clothes. Streep does a nice job, showing her frustration and sadness at her neglectful treatment by her own financially successful husband. The work of the senate aide is also demonstrated as clearly including the handing out of hotel room keys with no questions asked.
Reminding me of Dukakis' wife Kitty and Ford's wife, Betty, you see what the strain of being a Congressman's wife can be. Great points were made about the explicit price paid for having seen a therapist, having shock therapy or the like.
This movie isn't as good as 'The Best Man', Gore Vidal's wonderfully written movie, but who can write that well in this day and time. See the movie for it's strangely prophetic scenes. And then see Alan Alda, as the CORRUPT senator opposite Howard Hughes in 'the Aviator' just in time for the Oscars. Great contrast.
Barbara Harris does a great job as the senator's wife. The role of the reluctant teen-ager is not fully developed, and her absence at the great nomination event of the Democratic party is not explained. When you contrast this movie with the carefully orchestrated phoniness of the Republican National Convention, you see easily how our 'free and open' society has degenerated. There were no riot cops with batons and stun guns suppressing the dissidents at this convention.
Alda is still too much of a nice guy in this movie, although he does sexual lust really well, ripping off Streep's clothes. Streep does a nice job, showing her frustration and sadness at her neglectful treatment by her own financially successful husband. The work of the senate aide is also demonstrated as clearly including the handing out of hotel room keys with no questions asked.
Reminding me of Dukakis' wife Kitty and Ford's wife, Betty, you see what the strain of being a Congressman's wife can be. Great points were made about the explicit price paid for having seen a therapist, having shock therapy or the like.
This movie isn't as good as 'The Best Man', Gore Vidal's wonderfully written movie, but who can write that well in this day and time. See the movie for it's strangely prophetic scenes. And then see Alan Alda, as the CORRUPT senator opposite Howard Hughes in 'the Aviator' just in time for the Oscars. Great contrast.
Naptime for Joe Tynan
ArtVandelayImporterExporter1 July 2019
This movie has the most 1978 marquee ever: Milquetoast 70s sitcom leftist Alan Alda gets top billing; someone named Barbara Harris gets second billing, and perennial Oscar nominee, professional on-screen ball-baby and stupid-accent faker Meryl Streep (post Deer Hunter but pre Kramer vs Kramer) takes third spot. Rip Torn and Melvyn Douglas round out the top end of the bill.
They're thrown into just about the softest movie about politics I've ever seen. How soft? At the 15-minute mark Alda's senator character makes an appearance on Merv Griffin's show. Nothing screams, ''old-lady demographic" like Merv Griffin.
The whole thing has a Very Special After School Special feel to it. Produced by the Democratic National Committee. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody in Hollywood has a script in treatment to remake this boring dog for 2020.
The acting is good. The story is accurate is very Washingtonian!
macpherr5 April 1999
Meryl Streep (Out of Africa, The Bridge of Madison County) plays the other woman, and at this time with a southern accent. Alda(Mash, Jake's Women)plays the politician who has an affair hurting his relationship with his wife Ellie(Peggy Sue Got Married). Charles Kimbrough, (Murphy Brown) plays Joe Tynan's advisor. Alda stays in Washington and his family stays in his home town. The kids are hurting because dad is always away, the wife tries all she can to accommodate her carrier and her children to fit Tynan's life. The acting is good. The story is accurate as Washington politics of 1999. The wife finds out that her husband is having an affair and makes a speech stating to be proud of her husband. This is so Washingtonian! Personally I purchased the tape because I like Meryl and Alda. Since the title of a movie does not necessarily reflect the movie, I decided to get it. It is better then Wag the Dog but I do not recommend because I am sick and tired of tales of adultery and corrupted politicians! There are many other topics that are much more interesting. I am giving this movie a five because of the actors. This movie is one that you should intentionally miss watching.
Strong drama highlighted by fine performances
jjnxn-12 October 2013
Strong drama of morals and ambition. Alda has written himself a showcase part and does very well in the lead providing a strong center to the picture and he's aided by two superior actresses, one, Meryl Streep, on the way up and the other Barbara Harris always under-appreciated. Meryl is vulnerable and appealing but Barbara Harris is the treasure, giving the film's best performance and providing the heart that would be missing with her contribution. An incredibly skillful actress who was too unique for Hollywood to utilize properly she speaks volumes without saying a word through subtle facial expression. Also notable is Melvyn Douglas giving another of the marvelous supporting performances that were a staple of the twilight of his career.
subtle, sensitive and worthwhile
fresh-41 November 2000
a highly underestimated work definitely worth revisiting. it's a portrayal of sexual politics and power in washington d.c. that is still relevant today. it features a stunningly real and moving performance by the great barbara harris. bring her back!
One of the best films of the 70s
mrcaw1227 April 2004
The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979) Once again, Streep creates cinematic sparks in a role not quite big enough to qualify as a starring vehicle. This time, affecting a southern accent (the first of many roles she would tackle that required linguistic flexibility) she plays a political maneuverer latching onto up-and-coming Senator Alan Alda. Her portrayal is a brittle blend of coiled-up energy and soft southern feminine allure. It's one of my favorite roles she's played to date.
Also, look for the seldom-seen onscreen Barbara Harris as Alda's smart and nobody's-fool-of-a-wife. Her quirky way of handling dialogue has always been for me, a text book demonstration for younger actresses on how to make a part your own.
There's a fun, sexy scene with Alda and Streep ripping each other's clothes off too though don't expect the exposure you see in movies of the '90s. All in all, it is well worth the effort to seek out this undeservedly-overlooked movie in your local video store.
Also, look for the seldom-seen onscreen Barbara Harris as Alda's smart and nobody's-fool-of-a-wife. Her quirky way of handling dialogue has always been for me, a text book demonstration for younger actresses on how to make a part your own.
There's a fun, sexy scene with Alda and Streep ripping each other's clothes off too though don't expect the exposure you see in movies of the '90s. All in all, it is well worth the effort to seek out this undeservedly-overlooked movie in your local video store.
The Wind Beneath My West Wings
citizen81325 November 2004
The perfect precursor to what Aaron Sorkin and company so wonderfully wrought, Alan Alda and Jerry Schatzberg's intelligent and telling political drama/romance is more like the made for TV movie genre than first run feature. That having been said there's little to take to task here and much to be grateful for including some great character actor turns by Rip Torn and Melvyn Douglas (watch for the gumbo eating/policy thrashing scene) and some shrewd Washington insiders' observations. Somehow, it's hard to imagine Bush, Cheney and the neo cons having nearly half the fun.
Streep anchors the proceedings, investing a level of sophisticated theatricality that gives this film its necessary edge. Her robust good nature at proclaiming, "He's my Daddy!", while piloting a small plane, suggests both her southern belle roots as well as her tenacious appetite to be THE woman behind THE man.
Streep anchors the proceedings, investing a level of sophisticated theatricality that gives this film its necessary edge. Her robust good nature at proclaiming, "He's my Daddy!", while piloting a small plane, suggests both her southern belle roots as well as her tenacious appetite to be THE woman behind THE man.
The Rise of a future Presidential Candidate
theowinthrop8 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN is really the follow up to the Robert Redford - Peter Boyle film, THE CANDIDATE. There a well-meaning, wishy-washy liberal college teacher (whose father was a famous Senator - ironically played by Melvin Douglas in that movie), is glitz-ed up and prepped in a political campaign against an old pro (Don Porter) and manages to win the election to the U.S. Senate. But at the end Redford looks at Boyle at this moment of "victory" and asks him, "What do we do now?" Precisely - what happens to whatever enthusiastic beliefs and crusades that the candidate developed in his pre-campaign life.
THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN follows exactly what happens. Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is a junior senator with that quality that campaign managers would kill for: charisma. He is well spoken, careful, and politically astute: he is liberal, but seems willing to moderate his views to accommodate some other Senators. He is a good family man with a wife (Ellie - Barbara Hershey) and children. And he is, behind his friendly, pixieish smile, as ambitious as all hell. Probably not the next time, but within the next eight or ten years, he will (if he does not blow it) be his party's Presidential candidate.
Tynan is accommodating (seemingly so) to older Senator Birney (Melvin Douglas) and to one of the more powerful southern Senators (Kittner - Rip Torn) as he slowly learns all the ropes of being a member of that most exclusive of American clubs, the upper house of Congress. Alda is a member of the Senate's Judiaciary Committee, and there is going to be a new member on the Supreme Court. Kittner has no problems with the nominee, and Birney would love to see him get the job.
But Birney's reason is not out of affection for the nominee - it is out of fear. Birney's facing re-election, and his opponents are thinking of putting up this man to face Birney for the party nomination. Tynan and the other Senators respect Birney, but they are aware of one thing the old man does not seem prepared to recognize: he is losing his mind. Birney will, at the drop of a hat, begin speaking perfect French as though he is addressing people in Paris and not the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. That's why Birney's party backers in his home state are thinking of replacing him on the ballot.
In the meantime, Tynan meets Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep) who has helped him in another Senate battle. Traynor joins his staff, but is soon having an affair with him - and Ellie is pretty sure about the affair. Ellie is also upset that as Joe is getting more and more political exposure she has the additional pressures on her of being the "loyal" wife of the unloyal husband, and the one who has to keep a lid on the problems of the kids at home. Soon this kettle explodes in Joe's face, though fortunately (for his career) in private. And it leads to the end of his relationship with Streep (well...to re-use an old saying slightly..."that's politics!").
As for the Judiciary problem, Joe finds that the nominee is not the man for the Supreme Court - not unless you mean the Supreme Court of Plessy v. Fergussen or Dred Scott. So he is on a collision course with Birney.
The performances in this film were a joy. Rip Torn's Senator demonstrated how to improperly use the leg section of a large office desk just as strikingly as another Southern politician reportedly demonstrated a new use for cigars sixteen years later. Melvin Douglas is both formidable and pitiful as a once great Senate leader who has stayed on too long (reminding one of the late Strom Thurmond among others). As Alda's chief of staff, Charles Kimbrough is unnerving. Always a little stiff, when he was on Murphy Brown one sympathized with his Jim Dial as a decent fellow who sometimes got caught short due to his stiffness. Here however, his constant smile, supposedly reassuring, is an ice mask that sears Hershey and Streep in their turns.
And Alda? If one recalls his performance as Hawkeye on television's M.A.S.H. his pixie quality made him lovable. Here it has hardened into a shield and weapon. Tynan is a Hawkeye who jettisons idealism for what will help him. It is a first rate performance and points the way to future negative characters he'd play in television's AND THE BAND PLAYED ON and AVIATOR.
THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN follows exactly what happens. Joe Tynan (Alan Alda) is a junior senator with that quality that campaign managers would kill for: charisma. He is well spoken, careful, and politically astute: he is liberal, but seems willing to moderate his views to accommodate some other Senators. He is a good family man with a wife (Ellie - Barbara Hershey) and children. And he is, behind his friendly, pixieish smile, as ambitious as all hell. Probably not the next time, but within the next eight or ten years, he will (if he does not blow it) be his party's Presidential candidate.
Tynan is accommodating (seemingly so) to older Senator Birney (Melvin Douglas) and to one of the more powerful southern Senators (Kittner - Rip Torn) as he slowly learns all the ropes of being a member of that most exclusive of American clubs, the upper house of Congress. Alda is a member of the Senate's Judiaciary Committee, and there is going to be a new member on the Supreme Court. Kittner has no problems with the nominee, and Birney would love to see him get the job.
But Birney's reason is not out of affection for the nominee - it is out of fear. Birney's facing re-election, and his opponents are thinking of putting up this man to face Birney for the party nomination. Tynan and the other Senators respect Birney, but they are aware of one thing the old man does not seem prepared to recognize: he is losing his mind. Birney will, at the drop of a hat, begin speaking perfect French as though he is addressing people in Paris and not the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. That's why Birney's party backers in his home state are thinking of replacing him on the ballot.
In the meantime, Tynan meets Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep) who has helped him in another Senate battle. Traynor joins his staff, but is soon having an affair with him - and Ellie is pretty sure about the affair. Ellie is also upset that as Joe is getting more and more political exposure she has the additional pressures on her of being the "loyal" wife of the unloyal husband, and the one who has to keep a lid on the problems of the kids at home. Soon this kettle explodes in Joe's face, though fortunately (for his career) in private. And it leads to the end of his relationship with Streep (well...to re-use an old saying slightly..."that's politics!").
As for the Judiciary problem, Joe finds that the nominee is not the man for the Supreme Court - not unless you mean the Supreme Court of Plessy v. Fergussen or Dred Scott. So he is on a collision course with Birney.
The performances in this film were a joy. Rip Torn's Senator demonstrated how to improperly use the leg section of a large office desk just as strikingly as another Southern politician reportedly demonstrated a new use for cigars sixteen years later. Melvin Douglas is both formidable and pitiful as a once great Senate leader who has stayed on too long (reminding one of the late Strom Thurmond among others). As Alda's chief of staff, Charles Kimbrough is unnerving. Always a little stiff, when he was on Murphy Brown one sympathized with his Jim Dial as a decent fellow who sometimes got caught short due to his stiffness. Here however, his constant smile, supposedly reassuring, is an ice mask that sears Hershey and Streep in their turns.
And Alda? If one recalls his performance as Hawkeye on television's M.A.S.H. his pixie quality made him lovable. Here it has hardened into a shield and weapon. Tynan is a Hawkeye who jettisons idealism for what will help him. It is a first rate performance and points the way to future negative characters he'd play in television's AND THE BAND PLAYED ON and AVIATOR.
Excellent acting and directing
martinpersson978 February 2023
A film from an acclaimed director with an impressive ensemble of actors and what seems like an intriguing script is a given to watch.
And it sure does not disappoint in what it sets out to do.
It's a very well acted and cinematographied film, that really make use of the visual media in splendid and subtle ways. The script is great, as you can expect from a great director, and it's very well conveyed through great dialogue and writing.
It is an overall very well put together film in terms of both editing, cinematography, directing, and, perhaps most of all, the incredible acting.
Very much recommended for any lover of film.
And it sure does not disappoint in what it sets out to do.
It's a very well acted and cinematographied film, that really make use of the visual media in splendid and subtle ways. The script is great, as you can expect from a great director, and it's very well conveyed through great dialogue and writing.
It is an overall very well put together film in terms of both editing, cinematography, directing, and, perhaps most of all, the incredible acting.
Very much recommended for any lover of film.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
