Sometimes when you watch a film, it seems pretty obvious by the style and pace that it was originally a play...and that is clearly the case with "I'm Not Rappaport". Originally it was a Tony award winning play, with Judd Hirsch in the lead. Here, as Hollywood often does, they recast the story with a bigger name actor, Walter Matthau. And, on hand to support him are Ossie Davis and Amy Irving...but clearly, Matthau is the lead and is the center of most of the film's attention.
The story begins with a scene in the early 20th century where a union is voting to strike. I thought I was perhaps watching the wrong movie, but soon it switched to the present day...and the little boy in the beginning is now a strange old man. Nat is unusual for many reasons. He is a die-hard radical...a guy who might be termed a communist or socialist. But instead of his ideas tempering with age, he's still fiery and a trouble maker at heart. And, when he's not stirring up trouble talking about workers' rights or the power of the people, he lives in a fantasy world...making up all sorts of lies and adventures he never had. Mostly Midge (Davis) is there to argue with Nat...but deep down, despite both being very different, they seem to like each other. Where does it go next? See the film.
The plot to this one isn't as important as the journey. In other words, instead of worrying about what's going to happen, the story really is just an excuse for Matthau to do what is practically a one-man show. Obviously this won't be for everyone's taste...but the acting sure is very good.
The story begins with a scene in the early 20th century where a union is voting to strike. I thought I was perhaps watching the wrong movie, but soon it switched to the present day...and the little boy in the beginning is now a strange old man. Nat is unusual for many reasons. He is a die-hard radical...a guy who might be termed a communist or socialist. But instead of his ideas tempering with age, he's still fiery and a trouble maker at heart. And, when he's not stirring up trouble talking about workers' rights or the power of the people, he lives in a fantasy world...making up all sorts of lies and adventures he never had. Mostly Midge (Davis) is there to argue with Nat...but deep down, despite both being very different, they seem to like each other. Where does it go next? See the film.
The plot to this one isn't as important as the journey. In other words, instead of worrying about what's going to happen, the story really is just an excuse for Matthau to do what is practically a one-man show. Obviously this won't be for everyone's taste...but the acting sure is very good.