In the annals of memorable cinematic performances by actresses, 1999 stands out with Annette Bening, Samantha Morton, and Julianne Moore delivering exceptional turns. However, one performance that transcended the realm of the ordinary was Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Tracy Flick, the unforgettable antagonist in Alexander Payne’s sharp political satire, “Election.”
As Tracy Flick, Witherspoon embodies a cunning, ambitious, and deeply annoying character who becomes both the best and the worst in the eyes of her audience. Her affair with her teacher’s best friend highlights her ruthlessness, while her unwavering determination to achieve greatness, including winning the high school election, showcases her ambition.
Despite its age, “Election” remains as fresh as ever in its dissection of everyday political maneuvering and power dynamics. The film’s second act, featuring candidate pitches from Witherspoon’s Flick, Chris Klein’s Paul Metzler, and Jessica Campbell’s Tammy Metzler, is a masterclass in political speech, the impossibility of viable third parties, and the suppression of insurgency.
Witherspoon’s initial pursuit of the role of Tammy stemmed from her fascination with that speech scene. Her unwavering belief in her suitability for the part left an unforgettable impression on director Alexander Payne. Witherspoon’s dedication to the character resulted in a star-making performance that transformed “Election” into a cult favorite.
Two years after “Election,” Witherspoon’s star ascended to new heights with a massive crowd-pleasing hit. However, her acting prowess was firmly established with her nuanced portrayal of Tracy Flick. The role earned her several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod. In Witherspoon’s hands, Tracy Flick’s ambition and unpopularity not only predicted future political figures but also highlighted a societal shift in the qualities we value in young women.
Witherspoon’s creation of Tracy Flick was a multi-faceted character. Her clipped speech, rapid stride, and suppressed rage were all meticulously crafted to create a persona that masked a simmering inner turmoil. Witherspoon’s inspiration for the character came from observing the mannerisms of uptight individuals, drawing parallels to their nocturnal teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
The influence of Tracy Flick has permeated popular culture over the years. Tina Fey has credited Flick as the inspiration for her uncanny Sarah Palin impersonation. Dan Harmon acknowledged Flick’s influence on the character of Annie Edison in “Community.” Critic A.O. Scott reframed Flick as a grooming victim in a 2019 essay.
Today, Witherspoon reflects on “Election” as a film that found its own path to success, beyond her initial expectations. She acknowledges that once a film is released, it takes on a life of its own, belonging to the audience rather than its creators. However, one thing is certain: Tracy Enid Flick would never relinquish control so easily.
