Product Details

• Actors: Alan Alda, Barbara Harris, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Melvyn Douglas
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005JOPO
• For more information about "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Political Film Ever, March 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Seduction of Joe Tynan [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is the best political film ever made. Other films distort, simplify or just plain get wrong what federal politics is like at the highest levels. As one who used to work in the White House, I can tell you that this is the only film that understands and reveals what the game is really like.

This is the best film Alan Alda ever made, and Meryl Streep and Rip Torn are both very strong as well. This film MUST be reissued in DVD! Criterion Collection--are you listening? Please!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super-great, October 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Seduction of Joe Tynan [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This overlooked gem may be both Streep and Alda's greatest film. As one to whom politics is both life and life's work, I can counsel you that this is one of the most realistic political films ever, not to mention one of the most enjoyable. See it and be convinced. Also, don't miss Rip Torn--I once worked for a Senator just like the character he plays!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alan Alda'a finest hour in film, July 20, 2005

By 

Robert (LOS ANGELES, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seduction of Joe Tynan [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first saw this film on late night tv in high school. It was the first film I ever saw that effectively conveyed the inner workings of washington politics- How things actually get done.

Its theme- What happens when idealism clashes with personal ambition? - is still relevant in these times. Joe Tynan will remind you of many politicians on the cusp of national prominence.

The film's plot entails a liberal U.S. Senator from New York who sees a political opportunity in leading the opposition to a controversial supreme court nominee. After he succeeds, it then explores the personal consequences of the higher political profile this action has brought.

Alan Alda (who wrote the script- his best- I don't how the same guy wrote "Betsy's Wedding")- gave a very nuanced, three dimensional performance as Joe Tynan. The character is a likeable, idealistic fellow being "seduced" ever so slowly by presidential ambition. How much is he willing to sacrifice for the ultimate prize?

This film should be required viewing for West Wing fans who'd like to see Mr. Alda in another political role.

Meryl Streep is excellent as Joe Tynan's colleague/lover. Look out for a subtle scene with Rip Torn. It is hysterical!