Word: newman
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Directed by Robert Benton of "Kramer vs. Kramer" fame, and starring Paul Newman, "Nobody's Fool" is a touching story of an old man's chance at redemption. Of course this film is accessible to women, too, but the moments between Paul Newman's character and his son will be especially appreciated by any man who has had a difficult relationship with his father...
...Paul Newman is as enjoyable to watch on screen as anyone in recent memory, maybe more so. He's the key to making this film memorable, I know critics are tripping over themselves in praising his performance, so allow me to stumble, too. Mr. Newman is truly captivating. The substance and honesty he brings to the role are reminiscent of his performances in "The Hustler" and "Cool Hand Luke". If ever he has deserved an Academy Award, it is for "Nobody's Fool...
Cinema: Paul Newman's glamour falsifies Nobody's Fool...
...would be nice to believe life is really like that: when you get old, you'll be fit and quick like Newman; if you neglect your savings, you'll finally hit your favorite trifecta; even though you live in some nowhere place, buried hip deep in snow for half the year, you'll be warmed by sweet, colorful friends who'll get up a game of strip poker when things turn a little dull...
...giving his movie a very effective realistic look, by helping his actors to shape strongly believable performances, even when they are doing implausible things, Benton lends credence to these inspirational fibs. And two important critical groups have rewarded Newman with their best-actor prizes. An Oscar nomination -- his eighth -- cannot be far behind. These are partly tributes to a long and invaluable career. But they are also rather careless obeisances to stardom's saving grace, its ability to impart a kind of unconscious glamour even to the contemplation of failure and mortality...