47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a gem!, March 9, 2003
This review is from: I Never Sang for My Father [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I recently discovered this absolute gem, which seems to be totally underrated.
The movie features Melvin Douglas as the father of the title (Tom Garrison in the movie) and Gene Hackman as the son (Gene Garrison in the movie). Tom Garrison's drunken father deserted the family and his mother died when he was 10, leaving him to fend for himself and his siblings, which he did very successfully. He ends up hating his father, but nonetheless keeps his picture and the only note his father ever wrote him. He grows up a seemingly self-centred, cold, even mean and very dictatorial old man to his children, Alice and Gene. His background explains, however, why he finds it difficult, if not impossible, to show love. The dialogue reveals his hurt about his father and his lost childhood, as well as his very deep affection for Gene - but he cannot show it.
Gene tries everything to please his father to gain his approval and his love, but never seems to succeed, leaving him feeling inadequate. Tom still gives him directions to the house he grew up in! He doesn't really like his father, yet feels bad about it and still endeavours to somehow get the approval he never had.
The relationship reaches its climax when Gene's mother dies, leaving Tom Garrison alone, now starting to display the effects of early Alzheimers. Gene knows that he has to do something about his dad. He wants to get married again and move to California, Tom wants him to stay and support him. This leads to the powerful inner struggle Gene experiences: can he just leave his dad to fend for himself and how can he deal with the guilt he would feel if he pursues his own life? On the other hand, if he stays to support Tom, he will probably never really have a worthwhile relationship with his father and will give up his opportunity to live a meaningful life outside of the dominance of his father.
The horror music another critic complains about is perfectly functional here, playing whilst Gene visits an institution for the aged. The scenes of senile old people strikes a very false chord with Gene and he cannot envisage his powerful father in such an institution, despite the onset of Alzheimers.
The conflict between father and son (verbally and psychologically) is brilliantly acted out by Melvin Douglas and a young Gene Hackman. The final scene acts out the effects of Gene's eventual decision - and his father's reaction to it.
If you had a father figure who seemed rough and unloving, yet strong and somehow comforting - you will identify with this movie.
Find the movie and see it - it will enlighten you about parental and other relationships.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A total masterpirce, July 30, 2004
This review is from: I Never Sang for My Father [VHS] (VHS Tape)
What a masterpiece and view into the lives of a father and son and their ambivalent and painful relationship. Anyone watching this film will recognize these characters as being so much like relatives, friends or acquaintances. You find yourself applauding "Gene's" sister "Alice" when she opens up to her brother and gives him the advice he so needs but doesn't want to heed because of his deep desire to have a close relationship with his maddening and impossible father. This is a film that you'd love to have others watch so you can have a deep discussion about the problems of having a rigid, elderly father who can't accept the fact that his child is an adult with the right to live his own life rather than having to stifle all his own life desires to please a selfish and manipulative parent. It's so well worth watching, pondering, and discussing.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of my favorites, February 12, 2003
This review is from: I Never Sang for My Father [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Gene Hackman is simply astonishing in this film. It has to do with troubled relations with a father that doesn't know he's alive. It captures all the angst of middle age, combined with the heartache of trying to capture a parent's love. It isn't a happy film but I strongly urge you to see it if you like quiet, sensitive films- one of the best! I'm waiting for it to come out on DVD.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
