I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
Hackman plays a New York professor who wants a change in his life, and plans to get married to his girlfriend and move to California. His mother understands his need to get away, but warns him that moving so far away could be hard on his father. Just before the wedding, the mother dies. Hackman's sister (who has been disowned by their father for marrying a Jewish man) advises him to live his own life, and not let himself be controlled by their father.
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Purely Joyful Movie!
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
A great film with wonderful performances from Melvyn Douglas and Gene Hackman that displays the relationship between father and son and the difficulties of aging, growing up and moving on. This film echoed several personal things in my own relationship with my father, and the moments in the film felt real to me. Any person who has had to deal with complicated relationships with their parents owes it to themselves to watch this film. I'm only sorry it took me so long to watch it, but given that my parents are entering their twilight years it really connected with me. I can't recommend this film enough for it's acting and truthful screenplay. My only complaint would be the music which seemed dated and obtrusive in places.
...the idea that the family is in trouble long before the scene opens, by way of the title.I think the pivotal idea is in how each of us remembers certain events in life. The father remembers the relationship in one way, the son in another. Old age and parents experiencing end of life issues, families in turmoil - topical for today's baby-boomers.I would strongly recommend viewing it. I believe I saw it in 1971 when it appeared in theaters. Sad and sardonic, it plays to everyone or anyone who has had to take care of a parent with whom times were not always bright and sunny. In fact, relationships take on such dark, shadowy aspects it is too easy to get lost in the depths of remembered despair. I think Hackman's character shows sufficient torment - "do I love him or hate him for being the sad character he is now or for what I remember of him as a kid?" Which, if you are like others, the latter will be the more likely choice. We struggle with our consciences the whole of our lives, but even when the other dies, the object of our contention, we are still racked with guilt.
This '70 drama is very powerful with a towering performance by Melvyn Douglas and an authentic and insightful one by Gene Hackman (right before FRENCH CONNECTION) as his son. Hackman's 2nd nom. after BONNIE AND CLYDE and I wish he'd made more human dramas like this one in the 70's and 80's instead of junk like SUPERMAN, ZANDY'S BRIDE, MARCH OR DIE. Check him out in CISCO PIKE. Estelle Parsons who played Hackman's wife in B&C plays his sister in this and is glad she escaped the clutches of her old man. Fine acting and well-directed.A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Melvyn Douglas (also nominated for Oscar). Nerves on edge and tragedy of aging beautifully told.
After his mother dies and his overbearing father is left alone, a college professor is torn between staying with him or to move away with his girlfriend. At times a very potent and moving story with its share of a few dry scenes. Hackman, Douglas & Parsons are excellent in their roles as father, son and daughter. Based on a play by Robert Anderson.