Customer Reviews

Mel Gibson in Colleen McCullough's Tim

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a gem of a film, starring the underrated Piper Laurie in the role of Mary Horton, a well-to-do, but lonely, business woman, who befriends Tim Melville, a very nice, good looking day laborer, earnestly played by a very young Mel Gibson. Tim happens to be a little simple. His family describes him as being "a few short of a full quid".

While he does work around her house, Mary gets to know Tim, as well as his working class family. As time goes on, a deep fondness that ripens into love develops between the two. He brings her out of her shell, and she teaches him to read and explains concepts that will enable him to function better in the world around him. Based upon Colleen McCollough's book of the same name, this is a very well acted-film, with fine performances by the supporting cast, as well as the leads.

The quality of the DVD, however, is bargain basement with no additional features. Moreover, the DVD picture is best described as grainy. This is unfortunate for such an excellent film. A better transfer from print to DVD should have been executed, as this film certainly merits it, as does the viewer.

I have owned Tim for many years in VHS. I found it by accident and have never regretted following my impulse to buy it out of a bargin bin. It is not the best sound quality but the story is a heart catcher. In short, because I don't want to blow the movie, Tim is a "slow" young man whose parents are getting older and worry about his future. While working at a gardening job, Tim meets a woman who takes an interest in him. From there I leave it to the movie. It was filmed in Australia and I think anyone who likes Mel Gibson should see this movie. It really shows you a side of the actor that just isn't seen anymore. The part is played wonderfully and I promise those who cry at movies you will cry at least once with this one. The reason I gave it a four rating is because of the sound quality. I don't know if it has been improved in the DVD version, but I will soon find out. Give this movie a chance and I promise you won't regret it.

"Tim"

I will start by saying that this is very much a woman's movie.

First you have a young gorgeous Mel Gibson running around shirtless and in hot pants throughout the film.

And it's a love story that involves a simple minded man "Gibson" some think retarded that falls in love with a much older woman named Mary beautifully played by Piper Laurie.

Tim "Gibson's character" starts to do odd jobs for Mary and he starts to have feelings that are foreign and confusing to him.

Meanwhile Mary is feeling the same way about him but because of the age difference and his simple mindedness she think it taboo to love him.

What follows is a beautiful and almost fantasy like love story that will melt your heart and make you wish you yourself could find a "Tim".

Very good film. Mel Gibson is young but shows his acting ability. It kept to the book and the scenery is wonderful of Australia. Good flick.

One of Mel Gibson's earliest films, "Tim" has been overlooked by most Mel Gibson fans. Gibson plays a young, mentally challenged Australian in a romantic relationship with an older, American business executive (Piper Laurie). A youthful Mel Gibson shows his talent to create believable characters and make us forget he's acting.

The film examines the theme of star-crossed lovers in the context of age, mental capacity, and social status. The emotional tide of Tim's family, his lover, and their peers pulls at our heart-strings, and forces a sometimes uncomfortable self-examination of how we judge others and how we may define "love."

This movie is a great, romantic tear-jerker. The slower pace and gritty texture of early Australian cinema may deter some viewers, but the fresh story-line alone makes this movie well worth watching.

You'll like this movie if:

You liked Kevin Costner's "Message in a Bottle," and enjoyed Mel Gibson in "Man Without A Face" and "What Women Want."

You'll be disappointed if:

You're expecting a light, romantic comedy like "What Women Want," or the action of "The Road Warrior."

This movie is better than the book, which I read afterward. The movie storyline is much better and also leaves out certain storylines that detract from Mary and Tim's relationship. The parents are great - would love to see more of them.