Harry & Tonto

Finally, I see Harry & Tonto. I've known this film by name for a long time, for perhaps not the best reason in the world. Harry & Tonto has become something like a Trivial Pursuit question, mentioned with a healthy dose of irony. For better or worse, it's probably most popular today in that Art Carney (everyone's favorite Honeymooner...okay, second favorite), the film's lead, beat out Al Pacino's legendary performance in The Godfather Part II for the Best Actor Oscar in 1974, not to mention Jack Nicholson's career-defining role in Chinatown, Dustin Hoffman's blazing performance in Lenny, and the great Albert Finney for Murder on The Orient Express.

I'll admit it, I was scrutinizing Carney's performance closely, almost bitterly. Hollywood likes to give out, what I call, Old Geezer Awards (usually just nominations) from time to time. See that loveable Jack Palance win for City Slickers. See Gloria Stuart's ridiculous supporting actress nomination for that movie with the boat and Leo. For a while, I assumed Carney's was an Old Geezer win in this same tradition. Stupid me. Carney was only 56 when the movie came out and he was playing someone nearly 20 years his senior. And wouldn't you know it, Carney is wonderful in the role of a man at the end of his years who, despite being at the end, understands it ain't over till it's over.

This is a sweet film (essentially, it's a road movie). Harry Coombes (along with his best friend, a cat named Tonto) is forcibly removed from his New York apartment and is forced to bunk up with one of his sons. But Harry is restless and is resolved to live his own life, on his own terms, in his own home. He decides he is going to visit his other son and daughter, trekking across the United States with his trusted Tonto.

All is not well for Harry's progeny, though. His oldest son, Burt (Philip Burns), perhaps the most successful of the three, is in serious danger of losing his two sons to drugs, vows of silence, and hippie communes. His estranged daughter, Shirley, is on her fourth husband. Ellen Burstyn isn't on screen for more than 10 minutes as Shirley, but makes an impression, giving one of the film's best performances. She's a bitch, but she doesn't seem to mind. Finally, there's Eddie Coombs, played by Larry Hagman, a man in debt for lack of confidence.

You can't help but feel that each visit Harry pays to his children has gone at least a little in the way of healing for everyone involved. Harry & Tonto is an interesting look at America in the 70s, a country of lost children under a struggling generation and disillusioned seniors. In a way, it reminds me of David Lynch's The Straight Story, which was about an older man who drives cross-country on a lawn mower. Both films feature touching performances of the kind only experience can inspire. And both films are about healing. You can't help but compare Harry's journey of healing to that of America at the time.

Carney plays Harry as a kind but stubborn old man. He can be cranky, but honest about it. He speaks his mind but he isn't judgmental: he takes people for who they are. There is a charm to Harry's bluntness and a warmth in his relationship with Tonto, whom he plays singing games with when he isn't quoting Shakespeare.

This DVD isn't overloaded, but it does contain a very decent commentary track with director Paul Mazursky. In fact, I enjoyed the movie more with the commentary track than without. Mazursky fills in some good stories and production details, including what happened the day Carney, a recovering alcoholic, fell off the wagon during production. Rounding up the special features are the film's trailer and TV ads.

Harry & Tonto, the movie, is just okay. It's a bit aged and a bit slow and more than a little stale. As for the Best Actor controversy, this was a film of its time. If you ask me, there is no way in hell his performance comes close to what Pacino or even Nicholson did with their roles, but it's hard to hold a grudge when you witness a performance as understated and sweet as Mr. Carney's. -- Andre Rivas