The first time I saw "I Never Sang for My Father" was first-run in a theatre (one of the last movies I saw in a theatre). When the first frame and the offscreen voice of Gene Hackman came on screen, I started crying and cried throughout the movie: this was three generations of my family on screen. The identical scene and dialogue at the end of the movie was even more powerful. I can't help but think that many other fathers and sons will have a similar reaction. The same sensitivity that Robert Nathan showed in his magnificent screenplay for "The Nun's Story" is repeated here. His screenplay, as well as the performances of Melvyn Douglas and Gene Hackman, was nominated for an Oscar. All of them should have won--as should the movie itself. "Patton," the winner, was good--"Father"was great, a movie that has only gotten better with each repeated viewing. Everything about the movie--direction, production, writing, performances--is superb. The problem of caring for aging parents has, unfortunately, become even more prevalent in today's society. Anyone who is not tremendously moved by "I Never Sang for My Father" is advised stick to the dreck that constitutes most of today's fare. This is a movie that will always be relevant--I would give it more than ten stars!
Review of I Never Sang for My Father
