A Perfect World
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Movie Reviews of A Perfect World
Movie Review: BUTCH AND PHILIP'S PERFECT WORLD
Summary: 5 Stars
A Perfect World is the 1993 psychological crime drama starring Hollywood Heavyweights Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner. It is the saga of an escaped convict who takes an eight-year-old boy hostage, and ends up embarking on a road trip with the child while on the run from Texas Rangers, State Troopers and Federal Agents.
The film is set in the state of Texas during the fall of 1963, in the final days of the Kennedy Administration. Robert "Butch" Haynes (Costner)and Terry Pugh (Keith Szarabajka) are convicts who have recently escaped from Huntsville State Prison. In the midst of their flight from justice, the pair stumble into the home of the Perry Family, which consists of single mother Gladys, her two daughters, Ruth and Naomi, and her youngest and only son, Philip. Needing a hostage to aid their escape, Butch grabs the boy, who accompanies them without putting up a fight.
The trio's journey begins on an unpleasant and disturbing note as Butch is compelled to shoot his accomplice after Terry attempts to molest young Philip. A victim of childhood abuse himself, Butch Haynes does not tolerate the abuse of innocents, and so with his fellow inmate now deceased, Butch and Philip take to the Texas highways in a frantic bid to flee the encroaching law enforcement.
Meanwhile, veteran Texas Ranger Red Garnett (Clint Eastwood) is in hot pursuit of the duo accompanied by Sally Gerber(Laura Dern)a well- educated, attractive, young criminologist and profiler, trigger-happy FBI sharpshooter Bobby Lee (Bradley Whitford) and a host of Texas Lawmen and Federal Agents.
The plot alternates between the statewide manhunt unfolding on one level and on the other, the emergence of a loving father-son bond between the boyish, soft-spoken criminal and the kidnapped boy.
As the plot unfolds it is revealed that Philip comes from a family whose personal faith forbids him from indulging in any normal pursuits common to children of his peer group. This overly strict religious oppression is itself a form of abuse and has pretty much served as a prison for young Philip. However, by escaping with Butch, Philip is now free to experience many of the things that he was formerly denied, and because of Butch's encouragement, he acquires self-esteem and the ability to think and make choices for himself. He also begins to view Butch as a father figure. For his part, Butch sees glimpses of his former self in the boy's innocence and perhaps a bit of his own lost childhood, and gradually finds himself providing for Philip the kind of fatherly nurturing that he himself never had.
As the story progresses, it is further revealed that Chief Garnett has also played a role in the past of Butch Haynes, he had the youth sent to a reform school in order to spare the boy further abuse from his abusive alcoholic father, unwittingly setting into motion all of the events that has lead to their current situation. There is much to answer for, and Chief Garnett feels responsible for Butch. The tragic ending involves Garnett's posse taking up positions preparing to ambush the farm where Butch and Philip have taken refuge. Unwilling to leave the already wounded Butch, the boy runs back and hugs him, weeping bitterly, a gesture which convinces Garnett that he can recover the prisoner peacefully. Garnett's plans are thwarted when Bobby Lee mistakenly misjudges Butch's intentions regarding Philip and fires on him.
This is a fantastic, exceptional and heartbreaking film, and it is one of my personal favorites, I am a Kevin Costner fan as well as a fan of Legendary Actor Clint Eastwood.
I loved Kevin Costner's powerful, multilayered nuanced portrayal of the darkly intense, hunted and haunted, desperate and misunderstood outlaw. I was quite impressed and deeply moved by T.J. Lowther's equally dynamic portrayal of the youthful victim of circumstance.
As with all of Clint Eastwood's films, it is a well crafted, well acted, beautifully realized work of art.
There is a thread of profound melancholy that runs throughout this film and you can't help but feel sympathy for Butch and Philip.
Although Butch had done some very bad things, it was my hope that he and Philip would escape the clutches of Captain Garnett, the two of them would make it to Alaska, and make a new life for themselves as father and son, but dreams don't always come true, and Butch and Philip's "perfect world" set against the backdrop of the last days of President Kennedy's fabled "Camelot", ended pretty much in the same manner as that charmed administration...with a sniper's bullet.
Malpaso Productions and Warner Brothers Studios Presents:
"A PERFECT WORLD" (1993)
A CLINT EASTWOOD FILM
Starring: Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, Bradley Whitford, and Introducing T.J. Lowther as Philip Perry
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Produced by: Mark Johnson and David Valdes
Written by: John Lee Hancock
Music by: Lennie Niehaus
Cinematography by: Jack N. Green
Running Time: 138 Minutes
Rating: PG-13 Parents are strongly cautioned. Violence, Language, Adult Situations, child in jeopardy, and disturbing images.
Grade A+
Movie Review: A genuinely provocative, powerful film
Summary: 5 Stars
For all the hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood's post-1990 oeuvre of films (UNFORGIVEN, MYSTIC RIVER, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, etc.), it is ironic that his true best-directed and best film of this time period is one that didn't garner any major Academy Award nominations, A PERFECT WORLD (1993). Set in 1963 Texas, this film also contains the BEST performance of any Eastwood film post-1990, that by none other than the famous Kevin Costner, who stars as escaped prisoner Butch Haynes. Costner delivers a truly memorable performance, playing Butch as a disturbed man with layers of humanity that you don't see in most on-screen "villains". Costner tweaks his own everyday Joe persona just enough to make Butch simultaneously charming and frightening. I found Costner's Butch way scarier than more in-your-face style villains and psychos (Hannibal Lecter, the Joker, et al!). The reason is that Butch could go off at any moment in an all too realistic way the way that REAL people do! I'd say it was the most underrated performance of the 90s! Costner was robbed of a Best Actor nomination.
Costner gets great support from young T.J. Lowther (who plays Phillip/Buzz, the kid that Butch kidnaps). With minimal dialogue during most of the film, Lowther exudes a lot with very little. His quietness, silence, and reactions to Butch's conversation and actions spoke volumes! I'll never understand why performances have to be so over-the-top and bombastic to get Oscar nominations or win! Costner and Lowther's performances are TIMELESS. Re-watch this film and you'll see what I'm talking about! The way Butch and Phillip interact in this film is about as genuine as I've seen an adult and child interact in any film.
A major reason that I find A PERFECT WORLD to be Eastwood's most "perfect" film post-1990 is, in addition to it's inviting main characters, it also has what I think is the most perfect overall cast down to the most minute role. I can't say that of films such as UNFORGIVEN (which has too many minor characters, some of which are just retreads of others and also a major character that I find not of great use) or MYSTIC RIVER (which has 2 main characters that are the most annoying of the movie, not to mention that it is convoluted, manipulative and cloying as hell!). In A PERFECT WORLD, I always remember how convincing the Texas storeowners and denizens that Butch and Buzz came across reactions were to them. From their first encounter with the storeowner who essentially witnessed Butch kill his fellow escapee to the lusty owner of that roadside diner that had the hots for Butch. It is rare to see such an eclectic group of genuine characters like this that add to a film, rather than detract from it.
Eastwood himself as Texas Ranger Red Garnett, Butch's main pursuer, plays his role with just the right amount of world-weariness and veteran savvy that is a staple of the legend himself. Red's parallel tale of pursuit (with well cast character actors such as Laura Dern and Bradley Whitford along for the ride) is the perfect complement to Butch and Buzz's central story, which drives the film.
A PERFECT WORLD is also perhaps the best ROAD film of all time, bar none! Part of what probably hurt the film at the Oscars that year is that Eastwood's acclaimed epic UNFORGIVEN (although I do have several complaints about it, it is a good film), which had re-introduced the Western to Hollywood forefront, had dominated the year before and there was essentially no way that such a "smaller" film like A PERFECT WORLD stood a chance. Not to mention that I think that Costner himself has always been unfairly dismissed (too much for my taste) as some kind of lightweight actor. He is anything but lightweight in this film. If you are a fan of FILM or MOVIES, I promise, you should watch A PERFECT WORLD!
Movie Review: less than a perfect world
Summary: 5 Stars
In a perfect world this story could not be told. In a perfect world there would be no child abuse or neglect and damaged children. In a perfect world an eight-year-old boy would not kill a man abusing his mother.
This is not a perfect world and so the story is told. Butch Haynes (Kevin Costner) grew up in a brothel in New Orleans, killed his mother's abuser, but was not punished. At age 12 Texas Ranger Red Garnett (Clint Eastwood) saw to it that Butch was sent to juvie lockup for four years, with the idea of protecting him from his felonious and abusive father.
When the movie starts, Butch and another man break out of prison, kidnap Phillip, just a boy caught up one of those situations. The other man is eliminated from the story early on. Butch and Phillip begin their road trip, a movement toward Alaska for Butch, a growing affection for a father he never had for Phillip. The synergy created by this man, neither good nor bad, and boy grows from negatives--each trying to create in Butch a father figure for those absent.
As in any road trip film, encounters with others mark the travelers in terms of character. Butch never intentionally harms anyone until child abuse occurs. Even then the viewer knows there will be no physical harm.
Inevitably, the manhunt ends and it isn't pleasant. After I saw this movie at the theater, I cried all the way home. The ex was annoyed and told me it was just a movie. Some people don't understand that art IS the truth. Child abuse does exist and does ruin lives. According to Laura Dern's character, a criminologist, Butch was tested in prison for high intelligence. Imagine what he could have been with a typical life! Even with his flawed background, he tried to do right by Phillip, even at the end.
A perfect world. It does not exist. So what is a person to do? A criminologist tries to teach explanations and understandings. Law enforcement tries to protect others by rounding up the doers of evil and bad things. Those caught in the ring of violence try to escape to a better life. Not everyone wins in a world that is not perfect.
Movie Review: Perfect in all aspects
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a relatively slow paced (but well-intentioned) movie that is very deftly directed by Clint Eastwood. The film demonstrates Eastwood's typical minimalistic approach to directing, and relies on character development and exploration moreso than it does story. This bare bones approach by Eastwood works like a charm, to bring to film a whimsical tale.Costner pulls off probably his most laudable and competent role in any of his movies, transcending even Dances with Wolves. His effort is very understated, controlled and ultimately utterly convincing in his delivery. This role from Costner is equally and ably supported by T J Lowther as the young boy Philip. The performances of these two actors ultimately make this such a winning film. They are ably supported by Clint Eastwood and Laura Dern.
What really drives this film is the relationship that develops between Butch and Philip. Philip gets his much needed father figure and Haynes gets an opportunity to play a more fatherly role to Philip than the father who neglected him. By three quarters of the way through the movie the viewer is hoping that Haynes and Philip can escape the manhunt and start new lives together - which in a perfect world probably would have happened!
Without disclosing the ending, what ultimately happens in the movie is a true testament to the depths reached and expressed between man and boy. In a very unmelodramatic fashion a heart-wrenching ending is reached.
By the end this a whimsical story of might have beens, and possibilities. The understated manner in which all aspects of the movie are approached make it all the more poignant and fulfilling. Anyone who likes a good solid drama should appreciate this film!
P.S. A number a criticisms directed at the portrayal of Jehova Witnesses is unfortunate. The movie is clearly not intending to pass any judgement on such beliefs. In any religion the level of piety is very much a personal thing. The story could have portrayed Philip's mother as belonging to any number of churches and still have her depicted as sheltering her children!
Movie Review: A gem that got lost in the cracks
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is one of those rare movies that manage to use the strengths of all involved. First, this is the very best of Clint Eastwood both as a director and actor. Eastwood the director learned his trade from Don Siegel, who made a bunch of no-nonsense 70's action films, many of them with Eastwood as the star. Eastwood learned his trade well from the master. He can edit the fat out of a film very effectively. Eastwood the actor really shines in this film as well in a supporting role as a Texas Ranger at the tail end of a career doing a kind of slow burn as events unfold around him.This film is also Kevin Costner's best work ever, and one has to imagine it came because Director Eastwood sat on him hard. Whatever, Costner gives a very, very good performance, full of depth as a prisoner on the lam. He is actually tough and touching at the same time, no small feat for any actor.
Finally, Laura Dern is also at her best in this film. What happened to her, anyway? Where did she go? Anyway, the romance between the Eastwood character and Dern is understated and very moving, as each character slowly gain respect for the other. Dern is not classically beautiful, but she comes off as very real and smart, with a sense of humor and a real humanity. Hollywood needs more like her, instead of fashion models playing cops. Dern looks natural as hell in the role with a beauty, as corny as it sounds, that comes from within.
All in all, a vastly overlooked gem that is well worth owning.