The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Alda’s screenplay and the lead performances. It grossed approximately $8.5 million in North America.
Streep later recalled that she was emotionally distant during production due to the recent death of her partner, John Cazale, and credited Alda with helping her through the filming process.
Plot
Joe Tynan is a liberal United States senator from New York who is considered a potential contender for his party's presidential nomination. He is tasked with evaluating the nomination of a conservative judge to the Supreme Court, a candidate strongly endorsed by the aging Senator Birney. While Tynan is committed to his political career, his frequent absences place a strain on his marriage to Ellie, who is preparing for a new career as a therapist.
During a trip to Louisiana to investigate the nominee’s background, Tynan meets Karen Traynor, a labor lawyer who possesses information that could discredit the judge. As they work together, the two begin an extramarital affair, despite both being married.
Returning to Washington, D.C., Tynan navigates the political fallout of the nomination, contends with the ambitions of fellow senator Kittner, and prepares for the upcoming party convention. He comes to recognize that Birney is exhibiting signs of cognitive decline. Meanwhile, Ellie discovers his affair, leading to emotional turmoil within their marriage. In the lead-up to the convention, Tynan ends the relationship with Karen and attempts to reconcile with Ellie, culminating in a keynote address that reaffirms his political stature.
The Seduction of Joe Tynan received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 75% approval rating based on 12 reviews.[6]Janet Maslin of The New York Times described the film as "an uncommonly well-meaning movie" and praised Alda's performance, writing, "Alan Alda's Joe Tynan isn't altogether believable as a politician, but he's a warm, sensitive, intelligent character."[4]Dale Pollock of Variety commended the film’s "literate script, sensitive direction, and a brace of fine performances by Alda, Barbara Harris, and Meryl Streep."[5]
Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune awarded the film three-and-a-half stars out of four and highlighted Alda’s writing, stating, "We all know that Alda can act; the revelation in his new film [...] is how well he can write."[7]Sheila Benson of the Los Angeles Times called the film "a decent effort to look at the pressures at work on a rising young politician" and noted it may be best remembered for giving "Streep full rein for her luminous talents."[8]Judith Martin of The Washington Post praised Harris's performance and the film’s tone, writing, "Harris' superb and rounded characterization is only one of many deliciously funny-sad and authentic touches in this amazingly unstereotyped political satire."[9]David Ansen of Newsweek described it as "an intelligent, beautifully acted cautionary tale about the conflict between the siren call of success and the responsibilities of a private life."[10]
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