Frankie (Gary Busey) and Patch (Robbie Robertson of The Band) are two carnival hustlers traveling from town to town in the South. In one spot Frankie picks up Donna (Jodie Foster), an 18-year old who literally runs away with the circus. Naturally, things tense up between Frankie and Patch as Donna tries to learn the carny lifestyle. Man, back in the day one could make a movie about the life of carnival workers and it didn't have to be profound or condescending. CARNY just tells it like it is, showcasing the carnival folk and their life. What is so interesting about the film (outside of Busey's maniac performance) is how Robert Kaylor deviates from expectations. One would expect Busey and Robertson to fight over who gets the girl but they don't. Instead, they act normal as Foster is the one who gets emotional over it. The supporting cast is incredible and features Tim Thomerson, Kenneth McMillan, Elisha Cook, Jr., Meg Foster and Teddy Wilson.
29 Reviews
A character movie with no real plot and doesn't need one
Mcduff360124 January 2022
This is one of those movies that doesn't really have a story, the characters and their lives are the story. If you are ok with that then this is a pretty decent drama. It has the drama, a bit of action, tragedy, romance.
I think this might have been Gary Busy's best performance, Jodie Foster puts in a good one too. All the characters even the non actors (not sure they used real circus folk or not) seemed to do an ok job. It is cheesy and dated but it works. I felt for the characters by the end.
It doesn't really have much of an ending and you kind of don't expect one since it's about the characters and their stories don't really end.
I think this might have been Gary Busy's best performance, Jodie Foster puts in a good one too. All the characters even the non actors (not sure they used real circus folk or not) seemed to do an ok job. It is cheesy and dated but it works. I felt for the characters by the end.
It doesn't really have much of an ending and you kind of don't expect one since it's about the characters and their stories don't really end.
50 years after "Freaks" ... "Carnies"!
Coventry24 July 2020
"Carny" is of those rare films that is truly unclassifiable. It's fiction, with actors and actresses playing scripted roles, but it almost comes closer to a documentary since there really isn't much of a plot, merely the intent to deep-dive into the daily lives and routines of traveling circus members. The one film "Carny" reminds me of the most, and I'm actually surprised that no other reviewers mentioned this, is Tod Browning's cinematic landmark "Freaks" (1932). Partially because, well, many of the supportive characters are human anomalies that make a living of their appearances, but mostly because both films zoom in on a secluded community of people that don't tolerate outsiders and behave skeptically towards newcomers. Coincidentally, both stories also revolve on a (female) newcomer breaking into the community, although the trapeze artiste in "Freaks" had evil intentions whereas Donna (the amazing Jodie Foster) in "Carny" is genuinely looking to become a part of the group.
Writer/director Robert Kaylor was obviously obsessed with the concept of traveling carnivals and the people who run them, but he sure didn't draw an attractive picture of them. "Carny" is dark and bathes in a manic & moody atmosphere. The characters are grim and unsympathetic, most notably the resident con-artist and all-round purpose fixer Patch (sublime role for "The Band" icon Robbie Robertson) and the face-painted Frankie, who - as the foulmouthed clown Bozo - sits in a cage above a water tank and goads carnival visitors into throwing shots at him. Gary Busey is fabulous in the role, and the film nicely stands out at the peak of his career, shortly after "The Buddy Holly Story" and "Big Wednesday". The decors and photography are sinister, yet beautiful, and Alex North's thoroughly unsettling score makes the wholesome even more unique. I personally found the final plotting and twists rather unnecessary, but still, a great cult gem for cinema fanatics to seek out.
Writer/director Robert Kaylor was obviously obsessed with the concept of traveling carnivals and the people who run them, but he sure didn't draw an attractive picture of them. "Carny" is dark and bathes in a manic & moody atmosphere. The characters are grim and unsympathetic, most notably the resident con-artist and all-round purpose fixer Patch (sublime role for "The Band" icon Robbie Robertson) and the face-painted Frankie, who - as the foulmouthed clown Bozo - sits in a cage above a water tank and goads carnival visitors into throwing shots at him. Gary Busey is fabulous in the role, and the film nicely stands out at the peak of his career, shortly after "The Buddy Holly Story" and "Big Wednesday". The decors and photography are sinister, yet beautiful, and Alex North's thoroughly unsettling score makes the wholesome even more unique. I personally found the final plotting and twists rather unnecessary, but still, a great cult gem for cinema fanatics to seek out.
An overlooked gem that will appeal to fans of 1970s drama.
Infofreak24 May 2003
I have been trying to see 'Carny' for quite some time, and I finally stumbled across an old video tape of it. I don't know if it is now available on DVD, but if not, it should be. It was released at the beginning of the 1980s but is very much a 1970s movie, and fans of that decade will appreciate it. It's very low key and character driven, and nothing all that much happens, but the acting is strong from the three leads - Gary Busey, who has been wasted in bad movies for many years, Jodie Foster in the transitional period from child to adult star, and the biggest surprise of all Robbie Robertson, guitarist and main songwriter with legendary rock'n'rollers The Band. On top of that the supporting cast features an incredible array of character actors that's hard to beat - Elisha Cook Jr, Tim Thomerson, Kenneth McMillan, Meg Foster, Tim Thomerson, Bill McKinney, Bert Remsen, Fred Ward, Woodrow Parfrey and Craig Wasson, the star of Brian De Palma's 'Body Double', just to name the most obvious ones. 'Carny' is an overlooked gem, and deserves some more attention. I really enjoyed it.
Great cast with strong isolated performances
JuguAbraham17 July 2002
This is not a great movie but it could have been one.
The casting is top notch (I am impressed by Meg Foster with her unforgettable eyes even though her screen time in the movie was insignificant). Jodie Foster is young, attractive and impulsive; so different from the later day mature Jodie Foster, who exudes confidence and intelligence.
Yet the film that starts off like a European film with the lead actor painting his face to play a clown. The sequence readies you for great moments of clowning/tragedy. This never happens. If it does it happens in isolated moments of the film.
The problem lies with the screenplay and direction. You expect cinema of a Istvan Szabo or a Marcel Carne, instead you are dished out disconnected sequences that appeal to you merely due to the rich potential of the performers. Gary Busey's and Robbie Richardson's characters strike you, not Jodie Foster's. They strike you because they added some depth and feeling to their roles. Jodie Foster does not do so in comparison. I liked her in the movie because she looked good, not because of the quality of her performance.
Just imagine if this cast and story were in the hands of Robert Altman or Marcel Carne or Istvan Szabo. We would have had a great film!
The casting is top notch (I am impressed by Meg Foster with her unforgettable eyes even though her screen time in the movie was insignificant). Jodie Foster is young, attractive and impulsive; so different from the later day mature Jodie Foster, who exudes confidence and intelligence.
Yet the film that starts off like a European film with the lead actor painting his face to play a clown. The sequence readies you for great moments of clowning/tragedy. This never happens. If it does it happens in isolated moments of the film.
The problem lies with the screenplay and direction. You expect cinema of a Istvan Szabo or a Marcel Carne, instead you are dished out disconnected sequences that appeal to you merely due to the rich potential of the performers. Gary Busey's and Robbie Richardson's characters strike you, not Jodie Foster's. They strike you because they added some depth and feeling to their roles. Jodie Foster does not do so in comparison. I liked her in the movie because she looked good, not because of the quality of her performance.
Just imagine if this cast and story were in the hands of Robert Altman or Marcel Carne or Istvan Szabo. We would have had a great film!
Thick and thin
matjpi23 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
An unusual low-budget film about the carnival circuit and the people who run them.
Knowing nothing about Carnies beyond them tending to be associated with hard work, light crookedness and putting local girls up the duff and then leaving town, I can't say the film really gripped me or helped me understand them better. More story and character development would have been a big help. I wanted particularly to know more about the backgrounds of the principle trio to understand what drove them and where they thought they were going, if anywhere.
That said it's an entertaining film with a solid cast. If you like 70's era films this won't disappoint. I was unsure what to make of Donna (Jodie Foster). Her character seemed to be an odd mixture of conflicts and innocence (soon lost) wrapped around an ambition that would hurt those around her if allowed to go on. Fortunately her two mainstays Patch (Robbie Robertson) and Frankie (Gary Busey) are fairly worldly wise, particularly Patch who oversees the midway and pays off local officials to keep things uncomplicated.
Donna tries her (very green) hand in the burlesque tent with predictably bad results, no thanks to Patch. She finally teams up with Gerta (Meg Foster), she of the startlingly pale irises, in the string-pull booth. It could have gone interesting places from there but it ended unsatisfactorily to me and the carnies were portrayed as rogues who were a little too likable. Frankie had his demons but he seemed, at core, a decent guy and his relationship with Donna had real promise that was overlooked.
If you're a fan of the principle players or just think that an 18-year old Jodie would be very easy on the eye (as indeed she has always been) then it is worth a look.
Knowing nothing about Carnies beyond them tending to be associated with hard work, light crookedness and putting local girls up the duff and then leaving town, I can't say the film really gripped me or helped me understand them better. More story and character development would have been a big help. I wanted particularly to know more about the backgrounds of the principle trio to understand what drove them and where they thought they were going, if anywhere.
That said it's an entertaining film with a solid cast. If you like 70's era films this won't disappoint. I was unsure what to make of Donna (Jodie Foster). Her character seemed to be an odd mixture of conflicts and innocence (soon lost) wrapped around an ambition that would hurt those around her if allowed to go on. Fortunately her two mainstays Patch (Robbie Robertson) and Frankie (Gary Busey) are fairly worldly wise, particularly Patch who oversees the midway and pays off local officials to keep things uncomplicated.
Donna tries her (very green) hand in the burlesque tent with predictably bad results, no thanks to Patch. She finally teams up with Gerta (Meg Foster), she of the startlingly pale irises, in the string-pull booth. It could have gone interesting places from there but it ended unsatisfactorily to me and the carnies were portrayed as rogues who were a little too likable. Frankie had his demons but he seemed, at core, a decent guy and his relationship with Donna had real promise that was overlooked.
If you're a fan of the principle players or just think that an 18-year old Jodie would be very easy on the eye (as indeed she has always been) then it is worth a look.
The 1980's Still The 1970's
TheFearmakers24 February 2022
Be prepared for freaks and frolic, white trash marauders and by far one of the strange romances ever to be filmed...
And if you can handle an over five-minute scene with Gary Busey's crazy clown-faced Frankie sitting in a dunk booth, yelling taunts at anyone and everyone to take a turn throwing a ball to bring him into the water... all for a price, mind you... then you'll really enjoy CARNY co-starring teenage Jodie Foster as free-spirited Donna...
Saddled with such an uptight and jerky date (Craig Wasson) that anyone would be a better fit, she takes to Frankie's charm right away, and soon joins him in the sack and on the road, into the life of the Carnies, and The Band guitarist Robbie Robertson, as Patch, Frankie's more serious-minded partner, is the even-keeled metronome that keeps everything under control. He doesn't take to his buddy's lustful romance with the teenager, who seems to have cursed the outfit by her presence alone...
These Carnies (from barker Elisha Cook Jr., Meg Foster and backstage boss Kenneth McMillan) are actually Con Artists, and we see each Carnival game, from pulling strings for money to throwing a ball to knock over a stuffed animal.... bilking more and more money from customers as the chemistry between the trio works along with the offbeat ride...
But halfway through something happens, or doesn't happen: Frankie and Patch become bitter and frustrated, arguing over the young girl as well as their questionable future while some bad investors want to end the entire gig, and it seems like a lucrative ten minutes was cut somewhere in the middle: turning an otherwise edgy glimpse into the Carnival existence into a DUKES OF HAZZARD episode.
And if you can handle an over five-minute scene with Gary Busey's crazy clown-faced Frankie sitting in a dunk booth, yelling taunts at anyone and everyone to take a turn throwing a ball to bring him into the water... all for a price, mind you... then you'll really enjoy CARNY co-starring teenage Jodie Foster as free-spirited Donna...
Saddled with such an uptight and jerky date (Craig Wasson) that anyone would be a better fit, she takes to Frankie's charm right away, and soon joins him in the sack and on the road, into the life of the Carnies, and The Band guitarist Robbie Robertson, as Patch, Frankie's more serious-minded partner, is the even-keeled metronome that keeps everything under control. He doesn't take to his buddy's lustful romance with the teenager, who seems to have cursed the outfit by her presence alone...
These Carnies (from barker Elisha Cook Jr., Meg Foster and backstage boss Kenneth McMillan) are actually Con Artists, and we see each Carnival game, from pulling strings for money to throwing a ball to knock over a stuffed animal.... bilking more and more money from customers as the chemistry between the trio works along with the offbeat ride...
But halfway through something happens, or doesn't happen: Frankie and Patch become bitter and frustrated, arguing over the young girl as well as their questionable future while some bad investors want to end the entire gig, and it seems like a lucrative ten minutes was cut somewhere in the middle: turning an otherwise edgy glimpse into the Carnival existence into a DUKES OF HAZZARD episode.
Life's a carnival...
Red-Barracuda13 June 2013
Carny is an interesting low-key film. It doesn't really have much of a plot. It works far more on atmosphere. The story is about a direction-less teenage girl (Jodie Foster) who runs away with the carnival after she meets a clown there. This leads to some friction between the manager and the clown; while later the carnies have to deal with some vicious local officials. As I say, it's not really much of a story and in order to appreciate Carny you need to find something in the feel of the movie.
I guess you could describe the set-up as a love triangle but only to a certain extent, as there really isn't a lot of emotion invested in the romantic side of the story; at the same time, there is a thriller element introduced towards the end and while that was quite good fun, it doesn't really fit all that well and could easily have been omitted. But as I say, the film still makes a mark and that is probably a result of the gritty recreation of carnival life and the good performances underpinning it. Best of the actors is Gary Busey who steals the show in his role as the abusive clown; moreover, the film begins very memorably with close-ups of him applying his clown make-up like it was war paint. In a sense it is, as he is extremely confrontational and goads his audience into throwing balls at him in sheer anger. In fact, the film depicts the carnies in general as primarily fuelled by a desire to fleece whoever enters their lair as they travel from town to town.
Carny is an interesting character-driven mood piece. It definitely falls into the cult movie side of the spectrum, as its unusual setting and dynamics will always mean it'll not appeal to everyone but will definitely connect with quite a few who are lured in to sample its wares.
I guess you could describe the set-up as a love triangle but only to a certain extent, as there really isn't a lot of emotion invested in the romantic side of the story; at the same time, there is a thriller element introduced towards the end and while that was quite good fun, it doesn't really fit all that well and could easily have been omitted. But as I say, the film still makes a mark and that is probably a result of the gritty recreation of carnival life and the good performances underpinning it. Best of the actors is Gary Busey who steals the show in his role as the abusive clown; moreover, the film begins very memorably with close-ups of him applying his clown make-up like it was war paint. In a sense it is, as he is extremely confrontational and goads his audience into throwing balls at him in sheer anger. In fact, the film depicts the carnies in general as primarily fuelled by a desire to fleece whoever enters their lair as they travel from town to town.
Carny is an interesting character-driven mood piece. It definitely falls into the cult movie side of the spectrum, as its unusual setting and dynamics will always mean it'll not appeal to everyone but will definitely connect with quite a few who are lured in to sample its wares.
Nothing really much
evans-j3414 August 2021
The only main thing of focus in the film is how pretty Jodie foster is. They use some good old fashioned lighting, which I always liked and really makes her glow. It's nice to see good old fashioned natural faces on the screen all round rather than plastics everywhere.. other than that the film is pretty bland.
A fascinating experience.
Hey_Sweden24 September 2015
"Carny" doesn't really feature exemplary storytelling, but it's still a striking look into a world to which many of us are not privy. That would be the behind-the-scenes dealings in travelling carnivals. With story credit going to co-star Robbie Robertson - member of The Band and a real life former carny himself - director Robert Kaylor and Kaylors' wife Phoebe, it's an amazing display of sights and sounds in this sometimes seamy environment. Ultimately, the heaviest asset is the incredible atmosphere that Kaylor and his crew create.
Gary Busey and Robertson are front and centre as members of this carnival troupe. Busey is a clown who sits in a dunk tank and taunts passers by. Into their lives comes a sexy teenager, Donna (Jodie Foster), who's tired of her humdrum small town existence and job as a waitress. So she joins them on the road, becoming part of their "family". Busey is very welcoming, but Robertson has his misgivings about her presence.
There's a wonderful, star studded cast here, although some of the actors inevitably end up rather under utilized. Among them are Meg Foster, Kenneth McMillan, Elisha Cook Jr. (in one of his best latter day roles), Tim Thomerson, Teddy Wilson, Bert Remsen, Craig Wasson, Robert DoQui, and Fred Ward. Bill McKinney and John Lehne are perfectly hate worthy as a shady businessman and his henchman who cause problems for our heroes. (Not content to rely on actual law enforcement, Busey, Robertson and company enact their own form of justice.) Busey is very likable, in one of his better film roles, and Foster very appealing. Robertson, of course, looks completely at home.
The production design (by William J. Cassidy) and cinematography (by Harry Stradling Jr.) are first rate, and this film also makes use of some real sideshow attractions. The tale actually gets a little twisted towards the end; coupled with some profanity and some T & A, "Carny" does earn its R rating. It also has an excellent music score by Alex North.
Overall, an interesting film worthy of discovery or re-discovery.
Eight out of 10.
Gary Busey and Robertson are front and centre as members of this carnival troupe. Busey is a clown who sits in a dunk tank and taunts passers by. Into their lives comes a sexy teenager, Donna (Jodie Foster), who's tired of her humdrum small town existence and job as a waitress. So she joins them on the road, becoming part of their "family". Busey is very welcoming, but Robertson has his misgivings about her presence.
There's a wonderful, star studded cast here, although some of the actors inevitably end up rather under utilized. Among them are Meg Foster, Kenneth McMillan, Elisha Cook Jr. (in one of his best latter day roles), Tim Thomerson, Teddy Wilson, Bert Remsen, Craig Wasson, Robert DoQui, and Fred Ward. Bill McKinney and John Lehne are perfectly hate worthy as a shady businessman and his henchman who cause problems for our heroes. (Not content to rely on actual law enforcement, Busey, Robertson and company enact their own form of justice.) Busey is very likable, in one of his better film roles, and Foster very appealing. Robertson, of course, looks completely at home.
The production design (by William J. Cassidy) and cinematography (by Harry Stradling Jr.) are first rate, and this film also makes use of some real sideshow attractions. The tale actually gets a little twisted towards the end; coupled with some profanity and some T & A, "Carny" does earn its R rating. It also has an excellent music score by Alex North.
Overall, an interesting film worthy of discovery or re-discovery.
Eight out of 10.
lots of insights but meandering plot
SnoopyStyle11 July 2015
Frankie (Gary Busey) is a dunk tank clown in a traveling carnival fair. Donna (Jodie Foster) is on a date and falls for Frankie or maybe just the excitement of running away with the circus. She's under-aged but they pretend she's 18. Patch (Robbie Robertson) is his best friend who keeps the circus going patching up the wild unruly group and the little towns they travel through. First Donna starts working as a side girl but Patch sabotages her and it goes badly. Then she works one of the games under Gerta (Meg Foster)'s supervision.
The plot meanders and it's hard to see what's the point. The characters aren't compelling. What this movie has is a lot of information about the traveling carnival. Robbie Robertson's low key performance doesn't really help. Gary Busey is holding up his end of the bargain by being a barely restrained clown. Jodie Foster is doing her spunky runaway character. It would be much better if her character is running away from something interesting that drives this movie. The movie kind of meanders and stumbles from one interesting carny scenario to another without really going anywhere.
The plot meanders and it's hard to see what's the point. The characters aren't compelling. What this movie has is a lot of information about the traveling carnival. Robbie Robertson's low key performance doesn't really help. Gary Busey is holding up his end of the bargain by being a barely restrained clown. Jodie Foster is doing her spunky runaway character. It would be much better if her character is running away from something interesting that drives this movie. The movie kind of meanders and stumbles from one interesting carny scenario to another without really going anywhere.
Prime Jodie Foster....
Mister-622 August 1999
This may not be a familiar title to many, but for me, "Carny" marks a major turning point in the career of Jodie Foster.
In "Carny", she plays a regular young woman who is lured by the excitement of the midway into becoming one of the regular carnival members or, as the title calls them, a carny.
This is basically a story about carnival life, the nomadic existance of the carnies and the eventual maturing of Foster's character by this new way of life. Watching her adjustments, both easy and difficult, make it easy to see why she received more difficult roles after this.
Robbie Robertson, leader of The Band, plays a fellow carny and love interest for Foster. He is all cool assurance and strong emotional center, both of which are things Foster's character is looking for. It's a wonder Robertson hasn't been in more movies since.
Gary Busey, in a performance that is both humorous and borderline psychotic, plays a dunk tank clown that forever taunts patrons, both in and out of the cage. He is also involved with Foster, and finds himself at odds with Robertson over her attentions.
If there's one problem with this film it's that it is too brief. More likely than not a filming decision but see it yourself and see if you don't agree.
Eight stars.
Now, "Carny" is a movie that DESERVES a sequel.
In "Carny", she plays a regular young woman who is lured by the excitement of the midway into becoming one of the regular carnival members or, as the title calls them, a carny.
This is basically a story about carnival life, the nomadic existance of the carnies and the eventual maturing of Foster's character by this new way of life. Watching her adjustments, both easy and difficult, make it easy to see why she received more difficult roles after this.
Robbie Robertson, leader of The Band, plays a fellow carny and love interest for Foster. He is all cool assurance and strong emotional center, both of which are things Foster's character is looking for. It's a wonder Robertson hasn't been in more movies since.
Gary Busey, in a performance that is both humorous and borderline psychotic, plays a dunk tank clown that forever taunts patrons, both in and out of the cage. He is also involved with Foster, and finds himself at odds with Robertson over her attentions.
If there's one problem with this film it's that it is too brief. More likely than not a filming decision but see it yourself and see if you don't agree.
Eight stars.
Now, "Carny" is a movie that DESERVES a sequel.
Torcy Love Song of The Night!
shepardjessica-123 October 2004
Hopefully a cult-classic by now, this '80 beautiful little gem passes muster. Robbie Robertson (who I think produced it) gives a fathomable, realistic performance for a GREAT MUSICIAN, Jodi Foster is wonderful as usual (the main character), and Gary Busey, a couple of years after THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY wipes the floor of the sideshow. A fascinating delving-into slice of "somebody's life" on the road with great supporting characters. An 8 out of 10. Best performance = Gary Busey.
Little-known then, it courses the veins without trapping you into bog-ville for a small flick. Find this one for sure and you won't be disappointed. A jewel!
Little-known then, it courses the veins without trapping you into bog-ville for a small flick. Find this one for sure and you won't be disappointed. A jewel!
A listless, dank, depressing big-top for pessimists
moonspinner5524 December 2001
An older teen girl has a truck-stop clinch with a carnival clown after the fair sweeps through her town; after some persuasion from her lover (and some confounding need to be with him and these show-folk), she joins up with the freakish carnies. A first-rate example of atmosphere over plot, "Carny" is full of characters running around without really doing much; you would think the carny folk would be more than just suspicious of this new kid in their midst--they show no interest in her blonde ordinariness (wouldn't they be as curious of her as she is of them? And IS she curious about their pick-up-and-go lives? The way Jodie Foster plays her, she's just a bored teenager, fettered perhaps but vacuous). I didn't care for the 'plot' as it developed (sneaking in bits of clichéd suspense) nor did I care for Robbie Robertson (glum with heavy lids) as the carnival boss. This picture doesn't add up; it's queasy and awkward, and I felt these faults were absolutely deliberate. The movie is an indifferent freak show, a ghoulish blank. All the characters have false-fronts, but we never get to see what's underneath. The filmmakers seem undecided whom to direct the movie towards without ever consummating their own feelings for the theatrical critters crawling up and down the runways. ** from ****
Carnival Action at it real best
ventures0112 April 2005
This is one of the only films in existence that truly depicts the Carny as he/she was during the 50's and 60's. Why it has not made it to DVD is a real mystery.
Gary Busey and a young Jodie Foster are the mainstays of this film. Foster is beginning to show the talent that will shine in later films.
Part coming-of-age chronicle, part road movie, Carny is memorable for Jodie Foster's sexy, intelligent heroine and the pivotal influence of costar, co writer, and producer Robbie Robertson. Robertson is Patch, a carny veteran whose de facto partner is the leering, cruel Frankie (Gary Busey), an abusive clown, and the film lingers on the tawdry and menacing world behind the carny's garish public spaces. When the young, self-confident Donna (Foster) shows up and joins the troupe, the bonds between Patch and Frankie are strained. Donna's walk on the wild side brings her in intimate, sometimes dangerous proximity to the freaks and lowlifes that populate this world, which the writers and director Robert Kaylor savor for its atmosphere of outsider surrealism.
Foster acquits herself wonderfully, making this a revealing step between the prematurely hardened nymphet of Taxi Driver and the actress's first truly adult roles, soon to follow. Busey and Robertson fare less well, their work long on mannerism but ultimately cryptic to a fault. Like the movie itself, they transmit a cynicism that seems hollow without more real insight into how they came to inhabit this netherworld, and why they can't escape it. B-Sutton
Gary Busey and a young Jodie Foster are the mainstays of this film. Foster is beginning to show the talent that will shine in later films.
Part coming-of-age chronicle, part road movie, Carny is memorable for Jodie Foster's sexy, intelligent heroine and the pivotal influence of costar, co writer, and producer Robbie Robertson. Robertson is Patch, a carny veteran whose de facto partner is the leering, cruel Frankie (Gary Busey), an abusive clown, and the film lingers on the tawdry and menacing world behind the carny's garish public spaces. When the young, self-confident Donna (Foster) shows up and joins the troupe, the bonds between Patch and Frankie are strained. Donna's walk on the wild side brings her in intimate, sometimes dangerous proximity to the freaks and lowlifes that populate this world, which the writers and director Robert Kaylor savor for its atmosphere of outsider surrealism.
Foster acquits herself wonderfully, making this a revealing step between the prematurely hardened nymphet of Taxi Driver and the actress's first truly adult roles, soon to follow. Busey and Robertson fare less well, their work long on mannerism but ultimately cryptic to a fault. Like the movie itself, they transmit a cynicism that seems hollow without more real insight into how they came to inhabit this netherworld, and why they can't escape it. B-Sutton
Don't Stop The Carnival
Prismark1010 November 2017
Robbie Robertson a member of the famous roots rock group, The Band sang rural, pastoral country folk/rock with a touch of pessimism.
Carny co-written and starring Roberson is a rather plot less and meandering film that needed a better and sharper director. However it carries on the themes of The Band as you enter the world of a travelling carnival in the south filled with strange people, the tallest, shortest, the bearded and the contortionist.
Frankie (Gary Busey) is a twisted clown in the carnival, always winding up the punters as he sits on a dunk tank taunting them.
Patch (Robbie Robertson) is a fixer at the carnival, he works the dunk tank with Frankie and smooths things over with locals and the carnival operators.
Frankie hooks up with Donna (Jodie Foster) a rather bored young woman whose boyfriend Frankie humiliates. She joins Frankie at the circus although Patch is not too pleased about it and she initially works on the strip show before finding out that she is a natural conning the punters on the rigged games of skill.
Patch and Frankie have to deal with one of the gangsters who is extorting money from the circus boss and whose henchman takes a shine to Donna.
Foster is very sexy, she gives another mature performance and to think she was only 18 years old at the time. Just watch the scene when she hustles two lesbians, very sensual and natural!
Carny co-written and starring Roberson is a rather plot less and meandering film that needed a better and sharper director. However it carries on the themes of The Band as you enter the world of a travelling carnival in the south filled with strange people, the tallest, shortest, the bearded and the contortionist.
Frankie (Gary Busey) is a twisted clown in the carnival, always winding up the punters as he sits on a dunk tank taunting them.
Patch (Robbie Robertson) is a fixer at the carnival, he works the dunk tank with Frankie and smooths things over with locals and the carnival operators.
Frankie hooks up with Donna (Jodie Foster) a rather bored young woman whose boyfriend Frankie humiliates. She joins Frankie at the circus although Patch is not too pleased about it and she initially works on the strip show before finding out that she is a natural conning the punters on the rigged games of skill.
Patch and Frankie have to deal with one of the gangsters who is extorting money from the circus boss and whose henchman takes a shine to Donna.
Foster is very sexy, she gives another mature performance and to think she was only 18 years old at the time. Just watch the scene when she hustles two lesbians, very sensual and natural!
The weirdest mainstream movie ever
puss-24 October 2002
If this didn't feature Gary Busey or Jodie Foster in it then this could easily be classed as an avant garde film. There is virtually no plot, just a cascade of freaks, fights and sex scenes. I'm not sure if it's any good - it seems unsure whether it wants to be arty or straight forward - but it's certainly interesting. Worth a look.
The Last Waltz meets Paper Moon
karmacoupe20 April 2005
I saw this in the theater in winter/spring on 1980 -- haven't seen it since (geez, 25 years!) until these showings on the Canadian movie station. a lot more risqué than i remembered it!
it's sure captivating,engrossing, hypnotic, alluring, inviting. jodie's in her young hottie period, and robbie's the eye candy for the girls. he's sort of playing a sequel to The Last Waltz's "it's a god-damn impossible way of life." busey's fabulously enraged and possessed -- pre-wacko period. the music and soundtrack is superb. and GREAT casting. Fred Ward's a great surprise! never seen him give a bad performance.
seems like the most real circus movie i've even. i remember these traveling ferris-wheel freak-show ball-toss circus from my childhood, and it looks exactly as i remember it. (also, Movie Connection! this real traveling midwestern circus is captured briefly in Festival Express, a documentary about a 1970 train trip across Canada with Janis Joplin as Jodie Foster, Rick Danko as Gary Busey, and Robbie Robertson in his other role as a band-leader! :-) i'm certainly not bothered by the "lack of a plot" or whatever people seem to complain about -- a lot of my favorite art is not plot driven. say, Catcher in The Rye, for another young runaway story.
Pull a string! Enjoy the ride!
it's sure captivating,engrossing, hypnotic, alluring, inviting. jodie's in her young hottie period, and robbie's the eye candy for the girls. he's sort of playing a sequel to The Last Waltz's "it's a god-damn impossible way of life." busey's fabulously enraged and possessed -- pre-wacko period. the music and soundtrack is superb. and GREAT casting. Fred Ward's a great surprise! never seen him give a bad performance.
seems like the most real circus movie i've even. i remember these traveling ferris-wheel freak-show ball-toss circus from my childhood, and it looks exactly as i remember it. (also, Movie Connection! this real traveling midwestern circus is captured briefly in Festival Express, a documentary about a 1970 train trip across Canada with Janis Joplin as Jodie Foster, Rick Danko as Gary Busey, and Robbie Robertson in his other role as a band-leader! :-) i'm certainly not bothered by the "lack of a plot" or whatever people seem to complain about -- a lot of my favorite art is not plot driven. say, Catcher in The Rye, for another young runaway story.
Pull a string! Enjoy the ride!
Jodie Foster joins the carnival...
JasparLamarCrabb28 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
A real unsung movie from the early 80s. Jodie Foster literally runs away and joins the carnival where she hooks up with smooth Robbie Robertson and his crony...carny clown Gary Busey. They're both womanizing cads who nonetheless give Foster an education she may very well not want. CARNY is a depressing, enthralling, and extremely well-made film. Director Robert Kaylor infuses the film with a lot of melancholy touches...from the desperate fights with local politicos to the desperate lives the carnies lead. The story is perhaps a bit too depressing, but it is still great movie making. Meg Foster (creepy eyes and all) appears as one of the carnival barkers. The great Bert Remsen and Elisha Cook are in it too as is Craig Wasson in an early role as a jock who gets his comeuppance. Whatever happened to Robert Kaylor?
Interesting sleeper
TonyJohnson2 June 2002
This is a really good entertaining movie. This is a dark comedy/drama that looks great on the screen. Not the average fare. Great cast with good acting and direction. Pretty bizarre and a good role for Jodie Foster. A real sleeper worth viewing.
Offbeat and underrated
Woodyanders11 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Young runaway Donna (a sly and seductive portrayal by Jodie Foster in the role that enabled her to make the tricky transition from child actress to adult one) leaves her dull waitress job to join a traveling carnival. Although Donna proves to be a quick sturdy, she nonetheless still disrupts the friendship between smooth con man Patches (a solid and charismatic performance by Robbie Robertson) and antagonistic bozo Frankie (robustly played with trademark lip-smacking gusto by Gary Busey), who urges local yokels into dunking him into a water tank.
Director Robert Kaylor vividly captures the grotesque appeal, seedy atmosphere, and underlying violence and danger of the carny scene as well as presents a real moving compassion towards society's oddballs and misfits. Foster, Busey, and Robertson all do sterling work in the lead roles; they receive sturdy support from Meg Foster as the sassy Gerta, Kenneth McMillan as huffy no-nonsense owner Heavy St. John, Bert Remsen as jolly strip show barker Delno Baptiste, Elisha Cook Jr. as loony old coot On-Your-Mark, Bill McKinney as sleazy mobster Marvin Dill, Tim Thomerson as fast-talking hustler Doubles, Woodrow Parfey as the crusty W.C. Hannon, and Craig Wasson as Donna's hot-tempered boyfriend Micky. While Thomas Baum's uneven, but still interesting script offers a nifty array of colorful idiosyncratic characters and astutely pegs the touching camaraderie amongst the carnies, it alas falters at the end by trying to wrap things up a bit too neatly at the conclusion. Harry Stradling Jr.'s sharp cinematography provides an appropriately garish look. Alex North's eerie and unnerving score hits the spooky spot. A rather flawed, but overall worthwhile film.
Director Robert Kaylor vividly captures the grotesque appeal, seedy atmosphere, and underlying violence and danger of the carny scene as well as presents a real moving compassion towards society's oddballs and misfits. Foster, Busey, and Robertson all do sterling work in the lead roles; they receive sturdy support from Meg Foster as the sassy Gerta, Kenneth McMillan as huffy no-nonsense owner Heavy St. John, Bert Remsen as jolly strip show barker Delno Baptiste, Elisha Cook Jr. as loony old coot On-Your-Mark, Bill McKinney as sleazy mobster Marvin Dill, Tim Thomerson as fast-talking hustler Doubles, Woodrow Parfey as the crusty W.C. Hannon, and Craig Wasson as Donna's hot-tempered boyfriend Micky. While Thomas Baum's uneven, but still interesting script offers a nifty array of colorful idiosyncratic characters and astutely pegs the touching camaraderie amongst the carnies, it alas falters at the end by trying to wrap things up a bit too neatly at the conclusion. Harry Stradling Jr.'s sharp cinematography provides an appropriately garish look. Alex North's eerie and unnerving score hits the spooky spot. A rather flawed, but overall worthwhile film.
80's Noir Rare Treat
dkcrouch20 November 2007
Someone needs to find the masters and put this out on DVD!!!! Great soundtrack! Robbie was surprisingly effective as Patch. He even brought some menace when required, if memory serves. Him and Busey riffing on women, and their place in the Caravan, is priceless!
He and Busey had a great chemistry, and Jodie Foster looked to be having a lot of fun getting her floozy on! Scorcese was a part of the production team, it seems to me, he would certainly have the juice to supervise a DVD package.
Very worthy of release.
ANCHOR BAY, ARE YOU LISTENING?
He and Busey had a great chemistry, and Jodie Foster looked to be having a lot of fun getting her floozy on! Scorcese was a part of the production team, it seems to me, he would certainly have the juice to supervise a DVD package.
Very worthy of release.
ANCHOR BAY, ARE YOU LISTENING?
A couple of months in the life of the "Great American Carnival".
mikecanmaybee27 March 2020
This movie is quite well acted with eighteen year old, yes I looked it up, Jody Foster doing another great acting performance as the gorgeous and intuitive Donna. She finds the Carnival dunk tank performer Frankie, played by Gary Busey in one of his finest roll's, funny and charming and they become an item, as they say. In another great performance Robby Robertson, I'm getting repetitive I know, plays the wily Carnival General Manager Patch.
I liked they way the movie was contiguous with no flashing back or springing forward in time. It was just the life of those characters as they travel the Country with the many great character actors working in the Great American Carnival while being visited upon by life and profound misfortune. I remember trying to get a date to go and see this movie when it came out so it is nice to finally see Carny all these years latter. It is at least a near great film that left me wondering which character is the films moral compass and actually wanting more Carny.
Step right up and take a seat
videorama-759-85939110 July 2022
Never thought I'd enjoy this film as much as I did. It has actors I like, and Jodie Foster has never been sexier. She turns in such a cute performance, and Robbie Robertson, gave such a strong and interesting performance. This film takes us behind the curtains, of what the supposed carnival life is like, and it's not pretty. Infact, it's quite frightening at times. Busey, a crazy actor, just does us crazy again, as a professional cursing, dunking machine, avoiding many mash bashings. Craig Wasson in a small role as Foster's boyfriend in the starting, is such fun to watch. And guess who Foster ends up with. Again, it was Robertson I really like here. The fat boy singing scene was probably my favorite, and great character actor, the late great Bill Deliverance "scream like a pig boy" McKinney brung great sleaze, as a debt collector, while Kenneth McMillan, was really good as the circus manager. This film really gave me an eyeful for what the carny life is like, and it's a life, not many of us would prefer. An indulgent viewing, especially seeing foster in hot eye catching lingerie. Overlooked must see view of a film.
"Probably Amazing"
mswanberg-7240512 December 2019
This movie is so amazing. Gary Busey is so great in it. I love Jodie Foster. I'm working through all her movies. I watched this one 3 times in the 2 day rental period. I wish I could watch it now. I love everything about it!
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