Jeremy Larner, ‘The Candidate’ Oscar Winner, Dies at 88
Jeremy Larner, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the politically sharp 1972 film The Candidate, died February 24th at a nursing facility in Oakland, California. He was 88. The news, initially reported by Deadline, comes just months after the passing of the film’s star, Robert Redford, in September 2023.
Larner’s son, Jesse Larner, told The New York Times that while his father had been diagnosed with lymphoma in January and lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2013, a definitive cause of death hadn’t yet been determined. The loss marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned novels, journalism, speechwriting, and, of course, screenwriting.
From Campaign Trail to Cinematic Satire
Born March 20, 1937, in Olean, New York, Larner’s path to Hollywood wasn’t direct. He earned a degree from Brandeis University in 1958 and initially focused on writing novels. His debut, Drive, He Said, published in 1964, would later be adapted for the screen by Jack Nicholson in 1971. Larner too established himself as a journalist, contributing to publications like Harpers, The Paris Review, and Life. This experience with observation and narrative would prove crucial to his later work.
A significant turning point came in 1968 when Larner joined Eugene McCarthy’s presidential campaign as a speechwriter. This immersion in the world of politics deeply influenced his writing, culminating in the book Nobody Knows, which was serialized in Harpers magazine in 1969. The energy and disillusionment of the campaign trail provided fertile ground for his most celebrated work.
The Legacy of ‘The Candidate’
Larner’s experiences with McCarthy directly informed his screenplay for The Candidate, directed by Michael Ritchie. The film, starring Robert Redford, follows Bill McKay, a seemingly idealistic lawyer who is unexpectedly thrust into a Senate race. As McKay gains momentum, he’s forced to confront the compromises and manipulations inherent in the political system. The film’s cynical yet insightful portrayal of American politics resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The Candidate wasn’t just a critical success; it earned Larner an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1973. The film remains a relevant commentary on the complexities of campaigning and the potential for personal transformation – or lack thereof – in the face of political ambition. Its influence can be seen in countless political dramas that followed.
Beyond the Campaign: A Career of Words
Larner’s talent for crafting compelling narratives extended beyond The Candidate. He continued to work as a speechwriter for prominent figures, including Bill Bradley, Sam Brown, Paul Newman, and, again, Robert Redford. His speeches often tackled pressing issues of the time, such as the Vietnam War and environmental concerns. He brought a literary sensibility to the often-formulaic world of political rhetoric.
According to The New York Times, Larner’s work was characterized by a keen understanding of human psychology and a willingness to explore uncomfortable truths.
A Double Loss for Cinematic History
The passing of Jeremy Larner so soon after Robert Redford’s death feels particularly poignant. Redford’s performance in The Candidate was pivotal to the film’s success, and the two men shared a creative connection that extended beyond that single project. Redford’s Sundance Institute, dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, continues to champion the kind of politically engaged storytelling that Larner excelled at.
The confluence of these losses underscores a shift in the landscape of American cinema. Both Larner and Redford represented a generation of filmmakers who weren’t afraid to tackle complex social and political issues. Their contributions will continue to inspire and challenge audiences for years to approach.
What Remains: The Enduring Relevance of ‘The Candidate’
While Larner’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career, his work, particularly The Candidate, endures as a powerful and timely reminder of the challenges facing American democracy. The film’s exploration of political compromise, media manipulation, and the erosion of idealism remains remarkably relevant in today’s polarized climate. It’s a film that continues to spark debate and encourage critical thinking about the nature of power and the responsibilities of citizenship.
The film is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon and Apple TV, ensuring that new generations can discover its enduring message.