Although I have not seen this film for over a decade, it still resonates in my memory. Given the success of all Redford's other directing projects (yes, I know that The Legend of Bagger Vance did not perform well at the box office relative to the marketing and stars involved, but it was quite a good film-- despite the mediocre reviews), it always astounded me that The Milagro Beanfield War gets little mention even in the recapping of Redford's career. Redford's other three films not aforementioned, Ordinary People, A River Runs Through It, and Quiz
Show, all were critical darlings and each received nominations at the Academy Awards. I know that The Milagro Beanfield War won for its score, but that was its lone nomination.
The film is somewhat obscure relative to its storyline. Yet, there is quite a magical quality to the manner in which the narrative unfolds. It most closely resembles The Legend of Bagger Vance in regards to its tone (not necessarily
its social commentary though). I am constantly surprised that this film is not shown on cable, both basic cable and subscription movie channels. Although
its impact on the viewer is not nearly as emotionally intimate as Ordinary
People, it is almost as good, a little better if you consider the uniqueness of the story. It is far superior in comparison to A River Runs Through It, especially given that A River Runs Through It has serious problems with Craig Scheffer's perfomance and the horrible casting of Emily Lloyd. Of course, I find A River Runs Through It almost unwatchable, with the exception of the beautiful Oscar- winning cinematography by Rousselot, one of the best cinematographers
working today (He has outclassed many of his peers in a variety of films: We're No Angels; Dangerous Liasons; Interview With a Vampire; Mary Reilly; and
Flesh and Bone).
I know very few people who have seen this film and I always try to persuade
them to search it out at their local DVD/video store. If you have not seen this film, check it out. It is not a masterpiece, but Redford is one of the most
consistent filmmakers (in his role as director, not as an actor).
Show, all were critical darlings and each received nominations at the Academy Awards. I know that The Milagro Beanfield War won for its score, but that was its lone nomination.
The film is somewhat obscure relative to its storyline. Yet, there is quite a magical quality to the manner in which the narrative unfolds. It most closely resembles The Legend of Bagger Vance in regards to its tone (not necessarily
its social commentary though). I am constantly surprised that this film is not shown on cable, both basic cable and subscription movie channels. Although
its impact on the viewer is not nearly as emotionally intimate as Ordinary
People, it is almost as good, a little better if you consider the uniqueness of the story. It is far superior in comparison to A River Runs Through It, especially given that A River Runs Through It has serious problems with Craig Scheffer's perfomance and the horrible casting of Emily Lloyd. Of course, I find A River Runs Through It almost unwatchable, with the exception of the beautiful Oscar- winning cinematography by Rousselot, one of the best cinematographers
working today (He has outclassed many of his peers in a variety of films: We're No Angels; Dangerous Liasons; Interview With a Vampire; Mary Reilly; and
Flesh and Bone).
I know very few people who have seen this film and I always try to persuade
them to search it out at their local DVD/video store. If you have not seen this film, check it out. It is not a masterpiece, but Redford is one of the most
consistent filmmakers (in his role as director, not as an actor).