Deacon Reviews

The Left Handed Gun (1958)

Penn gives you a glimpse of things to come in his first film

[6/10 · 17 August 2000]

The director of Bonnie & Clyde and Little Big Man is off to a promising start with The Left Handed Gun, his first film. The film stars a young Paul Newman as Billy the Kid. Billy, working as a ranch hand, swears revenge on the four men who ambushed and killed his boss.

That's about it for plot. Newman plays Billy well, portraying a man bent on his mission. One senses that he means well, but his short temper and dark past always get the best of him, even during his friend's, Pat Garrett (John Dehner in a nice performance), wedding.

Unfortunately, Newman suffers from a weak supporting cast and little character development. I found it hard to believe that Billy could develop such a strong bond with his boss in such a short time (although the movie doesn't exactly specify how long). With the possible exception of Garrett, the remaining players are there to fill up the screen.

In short, I wasn't disappointed with this film, but if you want to view a great Western about a man driven by revenge, definitely see John Wayne in The Searchers.

Songwriter (1984)

Willie Nelson, songwriter AND actor

[6/10 · 19 March 2000]

Willie Nelson turns in a surprisingly effective performance as Doc Jenkins, a travelling singer/songwriter whose dreams of greater success (primarily in financial terms) collide with his lack of business sense in Alan Rudolph's entertaining Songwriter. It's up to his friends, fellow performer, Blackie Buck (Kris Kristofferson) and rising star, Gilda (Lesley Ann Warren) to help him out of a bad deal made with Rodeo Rocky, played by Richard C. Sarafian.

I was delighted to see how effortlessly Nelson threw himself into the role of Doc. Did his inspiration come from the real life financial troubles he faced a while back? You decide. It's just a pleasure to see him using that golden voice and interacting with old pal, Kristofferson. I also enjoyed the trip that Rudolph takes us on the road and behind the stage of the country music scene.

Setbacks include the discovery of Gilda. Although possessed with a fine voice, I had trouble believing that she had enough talent to sweep Blackie and Doc off their feet. Showing a newcomer as "gifted" in film is always tough. The voice has to be right and the songs interesting. I just don't think it worked here. I also didn't agree with Rocky's character who came off as a little too slimy, although we are talking about the record industry.

I enjoyed it overall. The story keeps you watching and Nelson with his guitar is worth the price of the rental alone. Watching this songwriter was a pleasure.

Follow the Fleet (1936)

Astaire and Rogers dazzle the Navy

[6/10 · 7 June 1999]

Once again, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers showcase their talents and chemistry in Mark Sandrich's musical comedy, Follow the Fleet. Astaire plays Bake Baker, a Navy man whose on-again off-again relationship with Sherry Martin (Rogers) is the source of many laughs. The two also have the task of playing Cupid to Bake's buddy Bilge (Randolph Scott before his cowboy days) and Sherry's sister, Connie (Harriet Hilliard).

My advise: Skip the story, sit back, and enjoy the dance numbers and music by Irving Berlin. Astaire and Rogers are a site to behold. Ginger also shows that she has a equally talented voice when it's not filled with bicarbonate soda (see the movie). Words simply cannot describe their grace before the screen. Have fun.

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994)

A wonderful documentary showcasing the many talents of a gifted artist.

[9/10 · 18 May 1999]

I sat down with this film knowing that Maya Lin was the creative force behind the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. What Freida Lee Mock's brilliant documentary shows is how difficult it was for her design to become reality. Not only did she compete with over 1,400 other entrants, but opposition to her idea, once selected, was stong and sometimes intentionally cruel.

The film follows Maya throughout her career. Other creations include the Civil Rights Monument in Montgomery, Alabama and a tribute to the women who have attended Yale University. The winner for Best Documentary Feature in 1995, Freida Lee Mock deserves praise for letting Maya and her art speak for themselves. Simply witness the emotional responses of the memorials' visitors, and you'll begin to understand what a treasure Maya is. A wonderful film!

The Swimmer (1968)

Great character study showing some age

[7/10 · 17 January 1999]

Very good adaptation of a John Cheever short story with Burt Lancaster pool hopping his way through a mid-life crisis. The film shows some signs of aging though. Take away the occasional goofy speeches and the slow-motion frolic through the equestrian course and you have a strong little character study. The performances are wonderful.