Note: This film shows a rather vivid rape scene. You might want to consider this before you watch the movie...particularly if you have been a victim of such an assault.
Long ago, Harry Graham (Robert Mitchum) killed his wife. His young son, Jimmy (Jan-Michael Vincent), witnessed her death and spend his childhood in the Boys' Home in Oakdale, Pennsylvania*....and the father spent a long stretch in prison. After many years, Jimmy comes looking for his father...though it's not certain whether he wants to re-connect with him or kill him! And, not surprisingly, it results in some very awkward moments between the two when they meet.
This is a very slow paced film. This doesn't necessarily mean it's bad....but that it's just very deliberate and slowly unfolds. Some might balk at this. I think it was done mostly to show Jimmy's own ambivalence towards his father...as if he isn't really sure what to do or make of the man. What he eventually does...well, that DID come as a surprise.
Overall, while the film had many excellent moments and scenes, I was so taken aback by the rape that I am hesitant to recommend the film. It could have been done much less candidly and I worry that person some weird folks might actually enjoy seeing it.
*I looked it up and this place actually DOES exist.
Long ago, Harry Graham (Robert Mitchum) killed his wife. His young son, Jimmy (Jan-Michael Vincent), witnessed her death and spend his childhood in the Boys' Home in Oakdale, Pennsylvania*....and the father spent a long stretch in prison. After many years, Jimmy comes looking for his father...though it's not certain whether he wants to re-connect with him or kill him! And, not surprisingly, it results in some very awkward moments between the two when they meet.
This is a very slow paced film. This doesn't necessarily mean it's bad....but that it's just very deliberate and slowly unfolds. Some might balk at this. I think it was done mostly to show Jimmy's own ambivalence towards his father...as if he isn't really sure what to do or make of the man. What he eventually does...well, that DID come as a surprise.
Overall, while the film had many excellent moments and scenes, I was so taken aback by the rape that I am hesitant to recommend the film. It could have been done much less candidly and I worry that person some weird folks might actually enjoy seeing it.
*I looked it up and this place actually DOES exist.