The Candidate : Summary

Made with an eye to the autumn of 1980 when the German parliamentary elections took place, The Candidate examines Germany’s history past and present and Franz Josef Strauß, the man who, as the CDU/CSU candidate, aspires to be elected to the most important political office in the land. In this extensive documentary, a cooperative venture by four German directors (Stefan Aust, Alexander von Eschwege, Alexander Kluge, Volker Schlöndorff), the past of the CSU politician Strauß and his current appearances on the political stage are examined and place in the appropriate frame of reference by committed film auteurs. A contribution to the debate in this election year with information that would never be shown by television. A film which, even after the election has become history, will serve as important description of Germany at a critical stage in its development.