freemanist's Reviews

Passion (2012)

1/10

12 February 2017

Oh dear..... Within 60 seconds of watching I drew the clear conclusion that my time was better spent elsewhere. I am totally puzzled as to what BdeP was looking to achieve; I expected the first scene to close with a TV set being turned off, immediately followed by properly scripted actors mocking the car crash/comedy/amateur hour they had been watching. In dismissing the limp interplay between 2 women and a token boyfriend, the proper cast would then make way for the movie to start in earnest.

Amazingly, that first scene set the tone for what was to follow - poor acting, terrible scripting, disjointed pace, lack of narrative, absence of character development, weak storytelling and a general mishmash of locations and scenes that left me thinking this laughable excuse for a movie was nothing more than a Director's self indulgence. At the premiere I can only imagine that a severe case of the emperors new clothes had kicked in whereby no-one dare exhale their sharp intakes of breath in order to share their complete unease and disbelief of what was before their eyes.

The central premise is a lesbian laced joust between 2 hollow, privileged females, masquerading as a business power-play carried out in an artificial Berlin society which comes across as completely meaningless. Thus develops a plunge into unfaithfulness, murder and a totally predictable ending.

The man who gave us Carrie and Carlito's Way is way off beam here, the $20m budget is a gigantic price for a complete stinker.

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Casino Royale (2006)

9/10

A Ball-Breaking, Bruising, Bonanza of a Bond

18 November 2006

Just back from the first regional screening. I was absolutely blown away by it. Mrs Freemanist has never been to a Bond picture - from her reaction it will not be her last. She was, like me, engrossed.

Bond attempts to foil international terrorism through tackling financial crime, resulting in a credible love interest, jumping over blazing construction sites, high junks on an airport runway, demolition in Venice and a poker showdown with a difference. Death and freedom, blood and tears, tension and euphoria. It's all in here. And much much more. The running time is almost 3 hours.

Daniel Craig is by far the most charismatic Bond yet and frankly, aided by magnificent scripting, he acts the others - even the brilliant and under-rated Timothy Dalton - totally off the screen. This film has broad appeal beyond the "Bond Club" and it is without doubt the best film I have seen in years. By dispensing with silly gadgets, dated humor and stuffy shots of Whitehall, CASINO ROYALE lifts James Bond out of the cult envelope and posts him up as a deep, driven, complex man who, in this film, exposes his weaknesses as well as his considerable strengths. Bond does not just maintain his Englishness, he actually expands this necessary attribute. Defeated yet sensitive, wise and ruthless with complete credibility in a film that allows him to be a fine, believable, central character.

The blatant product placement for a certain corporate's mobile phones, cameras and laptop computers is a bit of an irritation, but so what? After all, this Company actually owns the studio that produced it.

Good to see Richard Branson in a Miami cameo role. Did you all spot him?? Highly recommended. Well done to Daniel Craig.

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Nashville (1975)

10/10

Keep A Going.......

30 July 2005

This film remains unique, not only for it's constant ability to attract serious comment over 30 years after release, but also for it's undoubted quality as a study in fame, power, comedy and love.

Centered around a political rally in the world capital of country music, Robert Altman's masterpiece brings maximum rewards as he lets the viewer eavesdrop on the ups and downs of a couple of dozen characters who casually - and perhaps unwittingly - team-build a patchwork of immense story telling through music, candid dialogue, joy and tears.

The country music icons, notably played by Keith Carradine, Henry Gibson, Karen Black and Timothy Brown effectively lead the tale, bolstered by a political machine over-lorded by the Primary seeking hopeful (and anonymous, as he is never seen) Hal Phillip Walker, with his duo of sycophantic, in your face supporters, played effortlessly by Ned Beatty and Michael Murphy.

The performances of the country stars, coupled with political stunts to bring Walker into office, blend in to a climax at a star-spangled vote-for-me open air freebie where a twist in the tale leaves the viewer feeling short changed and shocked. I say 'short changed' because there is a brilliantly acted assassination which is never truly developed in terms of why it happened; a possible flaw in the plot, but one that is a minor impediment as the reaction to this horror, through a mass anthem led by an underrated country music wannabee (played superbly by Barbara Harris) is one of steadfastness, resolution and American spirit.

The film is, however, stolen by one central performance. Ronee Blakely as the neurotic, driven but broken and manager/husband abused Barbara Jean is simply magnificent. She does not appear to be acting at all as her character is totally natural, letting us glimpse her weaknesses, strengths, fears and hopes. Ably assisted by her slave-master "Its me who takes care of yooooo honey...." Allen Garfield, excellent as 'Barnett', she is tragedy and triumph rolled into one. Memorable songs of the movie were Blakely's self written/performed 'Dues', My Idaho Home', 'Tapedeck in his Tractor' and a soft, wheelchair bound rendition of 'In The Garden'.

Other reviews here have highlighted the musical and narrative merit of Keith Carradine's 'Im Easy' and I can only agree that the club scene when he delivers this lilting song is worthy of continual re-visit. Lily Tomlin, with a motionless, haunted expression and a brief pause for breath is effectively turned into stone in this scene, absorbing the lyrics as she realizes the song is a tribute to her - even though the camera pans and tilts to reveal 3 other women in the crowd who believe the piece is a personal message to them, without a single word being said. Screen Genius.

The film is (still) not available in England on DVD, so I recently imported it via Amazon.com - MONEY WELL SPENT.

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Brubaker (1980)

7/10

In prison, even the stink 'stinks'

27 February 2005

Brubaker (Robert Redford) as a messiah-type, seemingly on the fringe of municipal importance, takes up the job of Warden at a Southern state penal farm and decides to see the extent of what he is up against by entering in disguise as just another inmate, with no privileges. He feels that to absorb the experience from the inside looking out is preferable to relying on preconceptions. He is right as the thrust of the film would have otherwise been lost and the overall plot (simple though it is) is stronger for the fact that Brubaker has 'been there'.

He manages to carve a bond with a few prisoners before he modestly reveals his true identity and, through a series of well acted confrontations, he begins to make the prison machine tick over nicely. In the final analysis his efforts are not totally successful, but the film does reflect change and at least the viewer can agree that he seized the chance to make a difference.

The film is possibly a bit too long and the principal character is under-developed. 'Brubaker' was apparently a rather mournful, strained film to work on and the original director, Bob Rafelson, was sacked for smacking Ron Silverman (producer) in the nose during an early on-set argument.

However, I think it is well acted and very absorbing to watch. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Brubaker gets his staff to release a few long term solitary confinements, stating that before they do so, the requisite pairs of sunglasses should be given to them as they come out of complete darkness for the first time in ages - the staff think Brubaker is crazy: of course, they cannot see that this is all about building trust. The master plan is therefore to get the inmates on board and allow the trustees to follow. Nice theory, not so nice to put into practice as he is up against a rancid, but self policing establishment from day one.

Watch out for Wilford Brimley as "Rogers" - a later teaming up with Redford took place in the outstanding "The Natural", with Brimley starring in a major role as the jaundiced, downtrodden, Pop Fisher.

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The Weekend Murders (1970)

6/10

Hey, there.......do you fancy being in the movie?

26 February 2005

If anyone out there has this on DVD give it a close look from the start. Why? Well, my Dad is in it!!!!! The stately home scenes were part shot at Somerleyton Hall, not far from where we live. Anyway, when my Dad and his brother, simply riding by and puzzled by a crowd, stopped the car to see what all the commotion was about, a back-combed sycophant suddenly appeared, carrying a clipboard and asked if they could spare a few moments to fill a couple of subsidiary roles.

Hey presto, the old man became the young dark haired stretcher bearing ambulance man and his brother became a taxi driver (although his scene was cut). They were given exceptional 24 hour equity memberships (the actors union) and were dismissively paid about £10 each for their trouble - not bad for 1970!!! They were also told that the working title of the film was "Weekend Murders" but it might have some kind of Italian title upon release.

Their abiding memory was of Lance Percival (English comedian & actor on the fringe of the "carry on" team, popular 1960's/1970's) being locked in the portable toilet by one of the sound crew.

There you go - a bit of movie trivia for you.

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The Natural (1984)

8/10

Losing is a disease..................Ah! But curable!!

26 February 2005

This film is a quality production throughout and my favourite Redford performance next to "The Candidate".

The subject matter is baseball and its place in American life, but the legend is Arthurian, mirroring the turmoils and triumphs of the ancient King of England.

Along the road to becoming 'The best there ever was', Roy Hobbs (Redford) caves in to temptation and abuses his emerging boy to man status by ignoring his honour to his first love and meeting the mysterious Harriet (Hershey) at a hotel. There are many theories as to her dark purpose and how this links to later plot development, none of which really becomes clear. However, her early act of genuine shock does give background to the later years emergence of Hobbs, who has aged and seemingly risen from the dead to fulfil his destiny on the plate. Consequently on the road to greatness, another femme fatale, Memo (Bassinger) effectively takes Harriet's place, seeking out weaklings for Gus the big bad bookie from hell to manipulate (such as "Bump" Bailey and, in the climax to the film, the NY Knights bent pitcher).

I like the contrast of the two ladies here - Hershey/Bassinger in black and Glenn Close in white - a clear reference to evil Morgana and pure Guinnevere (have I spelled that right??).

Hobbs rises, falls and rises again, to defeat, in a brilliant baseball crescendo, the owner (in league with Gus and Memo) of the Knights. He then returns to his first love in a sentimental, but 'right' end frame. Thus the story comes full circle and why not? It is a tale and a great one, too.

One unanswered question: Hobbs was shot in the stomach, so how come when Memo Paris touches his sensitive scar (the nightmare scene) it is placed on his shoulder.....?

One of my favourite films of all time and it is something that all of the family can watch, without the feeling that it is wishy washy.

Maybe I am drawn to this film by my love of baseball - but I cant help but draw parallels with the injured Kirk Gibson stepping up to the plate for the Dodgers in the 1988 World Series to score a platinum plated homer, against the "A"'s against all the odds.......

"Try this one for size" (Hobbs fits cap on) "Welcome to the majors!"

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Do the Right Thing (1989)

Hey Sal! "How come yo ain't got no brothers on the wall"???

23 February 2005

Yes, it is a classic. Having now secured the Criterion collection DVD version from the US direct, I can now appreciate the true quality of it all. Mookie (Lee) is a passive but opinionated pizza delivery boy, working at Sal's Famous (Sal played magnificently by Aiello)at the end of the block. The film delivers a slice of real life on a 24 hour deathly hot NYC day. Senior Mr Love Daddy at 'We Love Radio'opens the event and, sets the scene as we then plough through an odyssey of love, lies, misunderstandings, hate and humour.

No-one surely expected a full scale riot and death to result from the early banter???

My favourite scene? Easy: "Hey, don't be f***in with the water - this car's an antique".....When the car and driver get soaked he responds to the NYPD's invitation to file a compliant with "Yeah, I wanna file a complaint, I want them buried UNDER the jail".

I particularly liked the character "Sweet Dick Willie". Now that guy has class.

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The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

9/10

Fainted?.......Mister, I thought you were dead!!

13 December 2003

Warning: Spoilers

Cinema, once in a while, can provide frustrations of the highest order. You watch with interest, only to have your train of thought switched elsewhere by a movie that steers you off course. You are perplexed, through missing something, but this is even more annoying when you don't quite know what that something is.

This is precisely the criticism leveled at The Man Who Fell To Earth, which carries the hallmark of a controversial directorial style. Nicolas Roeg directs this science fiction/drama/love story with one eye on the main event and another on the various sub plots that weave their way in and out of the principal tale. By creating passages of snipped time that do not knit together as logical flashbacks, there is a somewhat disjointed narrative which is seen as a personal indulgence. Many were puzzled enough to claim that the whole project was flawed and that, chronologically, it simply didnt "work". That is a harsh judgment; the film is highly stylized, but this does not detract from it's undoubted quality. You have to 'want' to understand it and invest a bit of patience. See it twice (I had to) and it will sink in, or read the IMDB reviews to get a taste before you digest it wholeheartedly.

Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) lands, as surely all self respecting aliens would choose to do, in New Mexico. How come he is wearing 'normal' clothes? Where did he get the precious metal rings that he wastes no time in trading so eagerly? Why is he carrying an Englishman's passport? These are the kind of questions that confront you at the outset, causing many to bark in dismay. To get the maximum benefit from the film, you simply have to take these unexplained occurrences - and also the rapid and disjointed passing of time - on board, because the whole is more significant and understandable than its component parts.

Newton arrives on Earth to suck on the capitalist system, recruiting a top patent's lawyer (Buck Henry - superb as Oliver Farnsworth) along the way to help quickly mould his business idea, World Enterprises, into an immense scientific and commercial colossus. He proceeds to convert the Earthman's physical cash into an enormous scientific solution, in the hope that it will reverse the desperate decline of his own, remote world - and save his family - light years away. A disillusioned college professor, (Rip Torn, magnificent as Nathan Brice) stale with the stench of academia and tired of bedding his female students joins Newton as a chief scientist. He is actually the closest to understanding the man, but he ultimately fails him. The mocked time lapses in this film are, in my view one of it's strengths. It enables us to see Mary Lou (Candy Clark) pass from young humble hotel maid to alcoholic old wretch, via live-in lover and 'Tommy' worshipper. Clark & Bowie share a key scene where Newton decides to reveal his true self: Newton discards his human-eye contact lenses, strips away the false body hair and fingernails. Mary Lou goes hysterical with fear as the real Newton appears in all his extra-terrestrial glory and this is made all the more grotesque when he starts to exude a complete bodily slime during the ensuing love ritual.

A special mention should be made of Anthony Richmond's photography, particularly in the spectacular terrain of New Mexico. Indeed, the whole film is a technical masterpiece and the acting is also of the highest level.

Of course, the Man Who Fell To Earth is himself beaten at the outset. The Intelligence Services, jealous, as opposed to curious, of his corporate success, want this weirdo brought to order. They achieve this by hounding Farnsworth and infiltrating the company, finally spoiling everything.

Imaginative, vibrant, different, ambitious and memorable: class comes in original packaging. So, open it up....and immerse yourself in an adventure

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The Candidate (1972)

8/10

'For a better way - Bill McKay'

6 December 2003

Robert Redford, reveling in his finest form (as in The Natural, ATPM, Brubaker & Indecent Proposal) is an idealistic young lawyer, who is sucked into the vacuum of politics - initially refusing to build up his profile by taking a free ride on the coat tails of his ex-senator father. American political films are common, but good ones are quite rare. This film falls into that latter category. Bill McKay agrees to run for Senate believing he can remain true to his values - honesty, realism, ideology, independence and a healthy distrust of policy for policy's sake. On that basis alone, he is an idiot, as the whole process predictably obscures his opinions, blunts his marriage and sees him struggle with compromise.

Mc Kay is rushed around town as the new kid on the block, taking in snatched TV slots, endorsement opportunities, talking with union workers and disenchanted youth along the way. However, 'The better way' is blocked at the outset by the sitting tenant, Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter). As a time-served Mr American and the holder of an office that he feels he deserves just for parking his butt on the seat of history, 'The Croc' is a magnificent enemy. Note the key scene where McKay simply loses patience in a TV head to head with Jarmon. A house of cards seems to fall around his ears and what does The Croc do? Easy - he makes capital out of it in his smug dignified 'I would never stoop so low' brand of schmultz. You gotta love that guy.

The final scene (even though you can guess the outcome of the plot) is a gripper. Mc Kay, among the chaos, manages to get a minute's privacy with Marvin, his overwhelmed agent, who has even combed his beard on the advice of his staff. He simply asks him 'What happens now?'. That left a chill with me when I first saw the film and, on a re-view, the impact is still just as strong. On that basis, 'The Candidate' has stood the test of time as the deep stink of party politics is as rancid as it ever was.

Michael Ritchie is not a director I know much of, aside from his previous Redford collaboration, Downhill Racer, which I thought was average. How nice to be proved wrong, therefore, as this film is definitely a director's badge of honour. It is also extremely well acted across the range. I understand there was talk of a sequel and it is a shame that it never materialized.

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Get Carter (1971)

9/10

I'll catch up with you later, Margaret.....

30 November 2003

Possibly the best on-screen performance that Michael Caine (Jack Carter) has given to date and he can be proud of that achievement as he carries 'Get Carter' to the top of the genre in a style that gained much from Mike Hodges' television based directorial style.

Well heeled London heavy leaves "civilisation" to travel to Newcastle in the gritty, honest North East of England. Ignoring his gangland bosses advice not to travel he takes the next train out and, upon arrival, starts to piece together the circumstances of his brother's mysterious death. He follows the events by looking up old contacts in the underworld and also his deceased brother's tarty (and very well played)girlfriend. Jack Carter, as a true villain, is a born user and the trip up North is no exception. Keith the barman and the purple underwear laden landlady of the Las Vegas hotel are pawns in his game. A sub plot in the story (Carter seeing his bosses girlfriend behind his back)is magnificently handled and when the London gang are revealed as having joined forces with Cyril Kinnear's Newcastle outfit to hide up the death (through an illegal porn racket), it all kicks off in a brilliant climax where Carter manipulates a chance to go head to head with Kinnear's sleazy wannabee bag-carrier Eric Paice, whom he suspected all along. The final twist in the tale thereafter sets this film apart from run of the mill gangster films.

Ian Hendry (Paice) sadly had a severe drink problem throughout his acting life and was almost fired from the film twice - most notably for getting p***ed before the racecourse scene where Caine removes his shades to reveal his genuinely alcohol fuzzed eyes. Caine kept him at arms length throughout the entire association and this certainly added a tension to the acting. John Osbourne - successful 1960's playwright returning to his acting roots - is perfectly cast as Cyril Kinnear. His whining, calm, sinister voice contrasts superbly to Caine's arrogant delivery in the scene where Jack Carter enters his mansion un-invited, to interrupt a card school.

The second scene (and also the title sequence) in the film is of particular interest. Look at the passengers in the train carriage, sitting alongside Carter. Notice something strange? Look again - the hired gun at the end of the film (yes, the signet ring wearer) is sitting there, reading the newspaper, smoking a cigarette - on Carter's trail from the outset.

Physical quirks are in here too. The arrival of Jack Carter sees him enter a pub (minus his cases - where did they go? - they re-appeared when he goes to Frank's house) and when he menacingly scans the inside of the pub to see who is around, an old guy in a flat cap raises his glass to drink. Look closely - he has 5 fingers and a thumb. Great stuff.

The film gained more recent popular exposure when Ted Turner, through TCM, brought the MGM back catalogue. Subsequently, TCM run the film on Sky Satellite in England every so often and quite right too. It is a classic and every scene is memorable.

Superb haunting theme music too.

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Slade in Flame (1975)

9/10

Not Far Far Away from fabulous

21 October 2003

Just obtained this on dvd, with an informative behind the scenes attachment - what a bargain @ £7.99.

The movie may well be regarded by many as old and therefore irrelevant. That would be a harsh judgement as it does, on a critical re-viewing, stand the test of time. To put it in perspective, Slade were Kings of their day, although this film was made toward the end of their useful life, at the fag end of glam (forget the Reading gig comeback - it was never as good as the first time around in true 70's style). In a nutshell, it is the story of a band "Flame" played by the members of Slade and it documents the transition from irreverent songsters to chart toppers, assisted along by a parasitic agent (aren't they all?) who latches on to them, promotes them as a cash cow and then dispenses with the problem by caving in to a former manager from their amateur days (played brilliantly by Johnny Shannon).

The songs from the film are not bad either: "Far Far Away" is still memorable, but all of them are totally eclipsed by the single release "How Does It Feel" - their first in this fame period not to make the top ten. That still stuns me as it is by far the best thing they ever did, and they had plenty of quality to underpin it (Buy "Sladest" or "Old New Borrowed & Blue" - all on CD). Slade in Flame uses the Black Country's darkness (pardon the pun) to its full effect and the story of individual personalities does unfold and develop with credibility - particularly Stoker & Paul. I also agree with Chris Murray re Don Powell - he had a scene down by the canal with an old mate from the foundry, inviting him to a swish recording industry party - that was a good scene and Don Powell did well as he was still recovering from a near death car crash at the time - he had to learn everything moments before it was filmed as he had no memory retention (gladly he fully recovered). Overall, the acting is good, the direction is tight and although the sound is poor (they had to subtitle it in English for the USA release as the accents were so broad) there is a charm to the film. Its a good tale well told.

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I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Did this make me angry? You bet........

31 August 2000

Warning: Spoilers

I have just finished watching this film for the first time and I am not ashamed to admit I almost cried. What an understated epic this is, with full credit to the cast - the piece is carried by Muni as James Allen/Allen James. A war hero looking to re-adjust,he takes a hit for a blundered robbery, suffering injustice at a Southern chain gang, breaking free, making his mark as a model citizen and true American, only to suffer the ultimate humiliation. This exposes not only the system, but also the perfidity of fellow human beings. I have read the other reviews here and have absolute respect for them all. To my mind, the thread of simmering injustice, which finally comes to fruition through blantant reluctance,ignorance and fear within a twisted federal administration, leaves the viewer feeling "this must never happen again - in any modern format". For this reason, the film works, as I defy anyone to claim it does not promote a reaction.

The final scene does have a 'film-noir' quality about it - I gather the lighting engineer faded the set in error, but the parting shot was kept in regardless - and as the truly dark side envelopes James Allen and the credits roll, you are left gasping "Christ! what will happen to him now?"

The American film industry - the worlds greatest (true praise from an Englishman).

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Skip Tracer (1977)

9/10

Rare Canadian treat for the discerning creditor....

29 January 2000

Skip Tracer Can. 1977 Dir: Zale R Dalen

Low budget tale of the ambitious loan agent (tracing 'skips' who have defaulted on payment) culminating in his juggling of customers plight with personal conscience. In England, first seen on terrestrial television early to mid 1980's on BBC2's forerunner to the Moviedrome collections.

The mental angst of the hunter grabs your intetest at the outset, but it slowly develops into vulnerability, demonstrating that pressure can make you thrive, but can also leave the door open to compromise and ultimately weaken you. It sets out as a study in power, developing into empathy and ultimately redemption.

Vancouver is set as an unspectacular backdrop; it's portrayed modesty is a comfort - ordinary City, ordinary people like the Skip Tracer. The violence is justified by the subject matter as are the flirtations with sleaze.

I have been hooked from that first showing and it is now 2018, a good time to edit my original review. Skip Tracer was a promising personal vehicle for Peterson. His character, John Collins, made an impression on me. The man was so natural, it didn't seem like acting at all. Effortless and effective - that is a gift. The movie was more popular in England than in Canada; I dont know why? Perhaps because Canadians didnt find it out of the ordinary - I did. Urban Vancouver looked good to me. It is a unique film memory, which has become an English cult following.

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Watermelon Man (1970)

7/10

No-one liked him, now they hate him!

29 January 2000

Somewhat unevenly charts the journey of a successful, loud and bigoted insurance salesman's transition from loathed go-getter to loathed gone-goner. The early twist in the tale, allows an opportunity to see a strong central character face a new challenge. However, sadly, the storyline passes up the chance to see a fighter fighting and the direction becomes bogged down in a realisation that Gerber is beaten from the very moment he is plunged into what the film perceives as an underclass. A particular shame, therefore, as it declares race crossover to be a sentence as opposed to an alternative - there is no real optimism afforded to Gerber after the key white/black event and the film might have been stronger with such an exploration.

The film can be disturbing; but with slick,in your face, stateside put-downs 'The Watermelon Man' certainly enters a sensitive subject area head-first and allows the viewer to make an early judgement.

Whilst the storyline delivers meagre reward in terms of development, there is enough here to warrant a recommendation. Cambridge is outstanding as the hounder who becomes the hounded and the spine of the film is its humour bordering on the cheap for sure, but funny, often hilarious and providing the piece with an underlying energy. Racing the bus to work on foot, crudely separating the mugs from their money, learning to take hate on the chin its all here.

The strength of the final ceremony/scene smacks of eventual acceptance, a sense of belonging and possibly a new way forward; this will shock many as it is bitter-sweet, turning laughter into cold realism. Perhaps Van Peebles was taking the easy option? I think a sequel would have been a fitting reward.

I rate it highly, even after considering its faults.

*********************************************************

UPDATED REVIEW: Today is 1 March 2005 and, courtesy of USPS, Amazon/Lasercorner.com and Travel Inn West 42nd St, NYC (long story), I have now received the DVD of this film. I first saw it in the early 1980's and have been raving on about it ever since, saying to anybody that wanted to listen, that it was hysterically funny. It still cannot be purchased directly in England.

So today I watched it again, in the new high definition print. I want to amend my original review

The film made me feel guilty about how much I laughed when I first saw it. Yes, it still has great comic moments but there is so much more to it. Scene 11 'property values', sees Jeff Gerber's formerly pleasant neighbours confront him at home and they offer him $100,000 for him to move out of the area. This scene made me feel sickened. Firstly because it shows just how bad the racial situation was in America (surely it has improved since then??) and secondly because, on the first viewing all those years ago, I just didn't "get it" I saw an overall humour, where I should have seen the out and out bigotry, ignorance and sadness. After this pivotal scene Gerber tells his boss to stick his job and he moves on to get his own insurance business, settle into a community that he likes, reforms a long-distance dialogue with his blinkered wife and simply get on with being Jeff Gerber. In that respect my original review is seriously flawed as he is not completely beaten by race crossover at all in fact he makes it work for him and a lot of positives come out in the final analysis. It uplifted me.

Hey, enough of the deepness! It is still a great film to own, share and talk about, even after its flaws are considered. I just felt that I hadn't appreciated the finer points of it until now, many years later.

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