A truly wonderful, thoroughly enjoyable,movie.
Meillon's performance as Pym, is the best occupation and portrayal of a character I have seen.
Much as Richard Harris WAS Bull McCabe in,"The Field", Meillon isn't acting as the picture show man, he IS The Picture Show Man.
In a magnificent characterization, Meillon portrays Pym's self important, sometimes arrogant bravado, and indignant, self righteous braggadocio, flawlessly.
His thinly disguised fragility, self doubt, sensitivity, sadness and feigned confidence, contrast with his determination, tenacity and undeniable,indefatigable optimism, perseverance and indomitable spirit, in the face of continual adversity.
Pym's aggrandizement of both himself and his "magnificent" enterprises, knows no bounds. He has grandiose, but seemingly to all others, forlorn and futile plans for bigger and better things. "If he gets the right proposition"
His self perceived guile comes to the fore when he charms, but dismisses, the inept potential female pianist. And then converts the negative factors he used to dissuade her, to positives, to enchant and attract the excellent male pianist.
Throughout, he tries to seem "on top of things," when all evidence points to the opposite. He disregards and denigrates the "modern", especially those wretched cars and dangerous electricity.
It seems that the life of the picture show man, Pym, has been dogged by a series of setbacks and failures, but undaunted and undiminished, on he strives. This unconquerable enthusiasm and childlike hope for better things and success, are just some of the traits that make Pym so endearing.
I wish we knew what happened between him and Mrs Pym. I sense it was sad.
He tries to hide his softness and weakness with bluff and bluster, for example the race horse incident. But Meillon's brilliant, melancholic face, great timing and superb acting, showed the character's real feelings of sadness, hurt, care and remorse.
Pym's softness, naivety and gullibility are never more evident than in his dealings with the "fairer sex." In spite of his very best endeavors using "his" form of charm, things turn sour, when, as in his business dealings,he is confronted by those far better at "playing the game."
The supporting cast is fantastic, with Hopkins playing the awkward, naive, reticent, mildly brow beaten, but loving son. Taylor as the upstart "Yank," who Pym taught everything to, is exceptionally good.
John Ewart is absolutely superb in his role as the cheeky, confident bright, cheery, talented, loyal, pianist.
The story is a lovely, gentle, rolling, period yarn, and the footage of country Australia is wonderful. The accompanying music is fantastic. Again, Meillion's performance in the songs he sings ranges from hilarious to bitter, sweet poignancy. With "Tap Tap on my window," being a classic case of the latter. In reality he is a broken down old song and dance man at heart. A throw back to Vaudeville or dance halls.
I am Australian, and not one to gush over movies, but I thought this movie was wonderful in every regard. I heartily recommend it.
Meillon's performance as Pym, is the best occupation and portrayal of a character I have seen.
Much as Richard Harris WAS Bull McCabe in,"The Field", Meillon isn't acting as the picture show man, he IS The Picture Show Man.
In a magnificent characterization, Meillon portrays Pym's self important, sometimes arrogant bravado, and indignant, self righteous braggadocio, flawlessly.
His thinly disguised fragility, self doubt, sensitivity, sadness and feigned confidence, contrast with his determination, tenacity and undeniable,indefatigable optimism, perseverance and indomitable spirit, in the face of continual adversity.
Pym's aggrandizement of both himself and his "magnificent" enterprises, knows no bounds. He has grandiose, but seemingly to all others, forlorn and futile plans for bigger and better things. "If he gets the right proposition"
His self perceived guile comes to the fore when he charms, but dismisses, the inept potential female pianist. And then converts the negative factors he used to dissuade her, to positives, to enchant and attract the excellent male pianist.
Throughout, he tries to seem "on top of things," when all evidence points to the opposite. He disregards and denigrates the "modern", especially those wretched cars and dangerous electricity.
It seems that the life of the picture show man, Pym, has been dogged by a series of setbacks and failures, but undaunted and undiminished, on he strives. This unconquerable enthusiasm and childlike hope for better things and success, are just some of the traits that make Pym so endearing.
I wish we knew what happened between him and Mrs Pym. I sense it was sad.
He tries to hide his softness and weakness with bluff and bluster, for example the race horse incident. But Meillon's brilliant, melancholic face, great timing and superb acting, showed the character's real feelings of sadness, hurt, care and remorse.
Pym's softness, naivety and gullibility are never more evident than in his dealings with the "fairer sex." In spite of his very best endeavors using "his" form of charm, things turn sour, when, as in his business dealings,he is confronted by those far better at "playing the game."
The supporting cast is fantastic, with Hopkins playing the awkward, naive, reticent, mildly brow beaten, but loving son. Taylor as the upstart "Yank," who Pym taught everything to, is exceptionally good.
John Ewart is absolutely superb in his role as the cheeky, confident bright, cheery, talented, loyal, pianist.
The story is a lovely, gentle, rolling, period yarn, and the footage of country Australia is wonderful. The accompanying music is fantastic. Again, Meillion's performance in the songs he sings ranges from hilarious to bitter, sweet poignancy. With "Tap Tap on my window," being a classic case of the latter. In reality he is a broken down old song and dance man at heart. A throw back to Vaudeville or dance halls.
I am Australian, and not one to gush over movies, but I thought this movie was wonderful in every regard. I heartily recommend it.