A human story about a country western-singer, and the trials and unanswered sufferings of life ... not too deep,
but just enough.
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Nothing special about the story as (in many respects), like country music, it's been told a thousand times.
But this takes a very tempered, humble approach to this tale, which is not often the case.
If you're a parent, especially, this will tug at your heart. If you love country music, you'll probably love the story.
ACTING: As a whole the acting is fine, but Duvall demonstrates time and again his talent for character immersion, and his unusual brand of authenticity.
Duvall has always been one of my favorite actors. I can't think of better actor for this role.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value here
TEMPO: OK, but as a whole it's slow
CINEMATOGRAPHY: About right for the story, and it stays tight, meaning the settings are very few
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Not a lot going on Beresford's resume that's familiar, except this and "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989).
I thought he did a fine job here, with no particular complaints especially considering the genre and context.
Writers: OK I guess, but there's a lot of TV work in there. But after he writes "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) his work seems to improve, so maybe he found his rhythm, and why this story expresses that progress.
Is it a good film? Yes.
Should you watch this once? Yes, if you like touching human story and country music
Rating: 7.5 (mostly for Duvall's acting)
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Nothing special about the story as (in many respects), like country music, it's been told a thousand times.
But this takes a very tempered, humble approach to this tale, which is not often the case.
If you're a parent, especially, this will tug at your heart. If you love country music, you'll probably love the story.
ACTING: As a whole the acting is fine, but Duvall demonstrates time and again his talent for character immersion, and his unusual brand of authenticity.
Duvall has always been one of my favorite actors. I can't think of better actor for this role.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value here
TEMPO: OK, but as a whole it's slow
CINEMATOGRAPHY: About right for the story, and it stays tight, meaning the settings are very few
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Not a lot going on Beresford's resume that's familiar, except this and "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989).
I thought he did a fine job here, with no particular complaints especially considering the genre and context.
Writers: OK I guess, but there's a lot of TV work in there. But after he writes "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) his work seems to improve, so maybe he found his rhythm, and why this story expresses that progress.
Is it a good film? Yes.
Should you watch this once? Yes, if you like touching human story and country music
Rating: 7.5 (mostly for Duvall's acting)