In Quiet Desperation

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is a very sentimental piece of work.

It's been called a coming of age film but I think it's so much more. It's really a film about how, sometimes, that rare person steps onto anothers stage, offering them a unique and different perspective on life, and then, in leaving, adds the final touches of friendship, pleasure, pain, love and growth that are the prelude to the walk of life.

Alan Arkin is wonderful as the deaf mute who comes to this screen town. He has come to be closer to another friend who is also deaf and mute, but must remain in the local institution. Arkin rents a room close to the institution, in a house of a family who is having a hard time making ends meet. They are a good family but the father, having hurt his back, can't work the full days to bring the pay check home. They are struggling and that has an impact on each and every member.

Sandra Locke plays the young daughter coming of age in the piece- and she slowly befriends Arkin, trying to make him feel comfortable and also trying to learn more about what it is like to be deaf.

Arkins' character is like that good part of the soul in most of us. Contained within his quiet, trying to be as good a man as he can be, he visits and watches over his friend who is more volatile, he takes on and tries to comfort the various strains and insecurities of the family whose house he has moved into, he befriends Keach, who defended him but is full of his own personal demons, and he tries to keep a watchful eye over Sandra Locke who, in coming of age, is beginning to test the waters of her own sexuality and teen spirit.

Also contained- the local towns shunning of those who seem different. Stacy Keach is terrific as the town individual who steps up when Arkin and his friend are made fun of for their difference. He's also layered as a man on the slide.

The moments where Arkin introduces Locke to Mozart (to the love of hearing and learning about other things), is beautiful. A young mind opened to the sounds and impressions of classical music. Her expression when she tries to show him what the music feels like; the music he has introduced her to, is poignant and sad.

This is a layered and sensitive film. It's also about an angel who helps others but, sadly, isn't seen to be needing himself, as we all do, until it is too late.

And there in lies the beauty and the real message of this film and Carson McCullers original story.

If you're looking for a touching character study- a small town with its insecurities, its growing pains and its ultimate truths, this is a marvelous hidden treasure that seldom gets viewed or talked about.

Alan Arkin has remained, for my money, one of those talents that does everything so well, he's like the wind. You feel him, you know he's there but sometimes he's so graceful and quick- he's gone before you got the chance to really watch how good he is. Thank God the wind comes back from time to time- whether you rent or buy it!

Special mention also to one of the finest scores David Guisin has ever committed to film. Another one I've listened to and will til the end of days. Beautiful and what mood it lends to this piece.

Highly recommended.