Wonderful Movie

Such a frustrating disappointment

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1968) A Carson McCullers drama (she wrote the original book) with the usual array of gritty Southern types who are cast quite well. The director is the utterly unknown Robert Ellis Miller, and there are many times that I feel that the potential here, which is pretty deep, goes unexplored. The photography by James Wong Howe toward the end of his career is professional through and through, if somewhat routine for New Hollywood. Look for standout performances by Alan Arkin (as a lonely deaf-mute with a big heart) and Sondra Locke, later famous for many roles in Clint Eastwood films (with whom she was involved). An honesty of acting, and underacting, by these two (even by Locke, whose role is extroverted) hold the whole thing together, as undercurrents become the real meaning. This is more of a drama than a soap opera. I say this because there is a McCullers kind of interest in "characters" and "losers," people who are troubled and eccentric. But there is also an interpersonal drive to the subplots (as with Locke's character's family, a kind of caricatured struggling poor southern family with a father in a wheelchair) that has the potential to become interesting as soap. These two aspects are a bit at odds (they never jive), but a third aspect enters the plot and grows and grows, and it is the real reason to watch the movie and admire it: the intersection of black and white southern life. In a way that had become possible finally by the late 60s, Hollywood could deal with African-American life in an honest, believable way. The black doctor and his dilemma of appearing "uppity" if he treats a white man (a drunk) is only the beginning. Arkin's deaf-mute character is compelling. He's troubled, too, but has perception and persistence. He sees love more than feels it, it seems, but he has deep caring (which is a different kind of love). And that wins the movie. Look for great side performances by the doctor's daughter played by Cicely Tyson (who had many great roles after this, such as in "Sounder" and who was married to Miles Davis) and by the doctor, played by Percy Rodriguez. A moving drama that is a small, but important, cog in the breakdown of prejudice in the 1960s.

I first saw this movie when I was 14, close to the character Mick's age. I completely identified at the time with the difficulties she faced being caught in the middle of childhood and adulthood. So watching it again on TCM recently I wasn't sure if it would live up to that standard after all these years and my being at a different stage of life. Many films that were once favorites become silly or simple when viewed later in life. Not this one....all of the feelings I felt the first time were remembered and felt throughout this viewing. And also interesting was seeing things from Mick's parents perspective this time around, which was not the case back in 1968. Alan Arkin is superb as Mr Singer. We feel Mr.Singer's need for connection, and his ability to read people without speaking or hearing. Alan Arkin delivers his messages throughout the movie with gestures and facial expressions that are neither corny or unrealistic. This movie covered sentimentality without becoming sappy. Sondre Locke was very impressive in her first film, a somewhat callous tomboy who becomes a sensitive young woman. Although times have certainly changed, there are many lessons within this film that are timeless and beneficial to viewers of all ages. I would suggest this film for parent and young adult movie night with discussion afterward.

You can read the many fine comments already made to appreciate why this is a superb movie that simply deserves to be seen. If you appreciate the story and want to see how actors and directors and the rest of the cast that make a film are there to tell the story, this is a good choice.It is evidence that Hollywood can make significant art, brilliant storytelling, and impacting entertainment.Alan Arkin and the whole film delivered. I saw this movie on an afternoon by chance on AMC or TCM and have never forgotten it. I might never forget this film.

Reading the book is giving me an incredible introduction to the substance of the story. I am seeing some profound insights to individuals that gives understanding to people I know. Especially religious people are portrayed so I understand the religious mind so much better. One element of the movie that is missing in the reviews I've read so far is the musical score. Composed by Dave Grusin the theme sends a chill into my psyche when I hear it years after viewing the movie. Mick seems to be a surprisingly deep person; considering her environment. Her love of classical music exposes a mind that rises well above her simple life. This is the nature of genius and is probably part of Carson McCuller's own persona. I would believe she writes from memories of her own childhood.