Interesting that Tender Mercies made the first list. Places in the Heart is somewhat similar in tone. I consider Places better, but perhaps it's a matter of taste. The film shows us the importance of community -- both by showing those in the community who undermine the care that the community should provide, and the way that the community takes care of one another --especially the community that is in the widow's home. And it's all pulled together by the closing communion scene.

I have seen neither in a long time, but both have a very lasting effect on me and I will probably rewatch them. I am delighted that both made some sort of cut and thought they probably would anyway.

I'd argue for Tender Mercies over Places, but it's been a while.

Darrel Manson wrote:
: I consider Places better, but perhaps it's a matter of taste.

Does Places feature a baptism? If not, then that says it all, I think.

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Darrel Manson wrote: : I consider Places better, but perhaps it's a matter of taste. Does Places feature a baptism?  If not, then that says it all, I think.  :)

TENDER MERCIES has baptism, PLACES has communion. Pick your sacrament.

My two cents' worth puts TM higher than PITH. The former is a marvel of understatement that is like an American Chekhov, so fitting for prairie people: we rarely witness key events, but instead the moments before and after. There's also an incredible deftness in the construction of narrative expectations: we're set up to dread or hope for a particular story development, but again and again the story confounds those expectations. Horton Foote is regarded as an absolute master by playwrights and screenwriters, and this film is his greatest accomplishment. And Robert Duvall is astonishing.

I like PLACES a lot, but it's a far more conventional film - except for that final scene, which I wouldn't DARE spoil for anyone, but which really makes the film, in my mind. Astonishing.

Ron wrote:
: TENDER MERCIES has baptism, PLACES has communion. Pick your sacrament.

Which one is more commonly associated with evangelism? That says it all, I think.

Why must this question be cast as either/or? Yes, Duvall is for the ages, but so is Glover in PITH, as well as an incredible ensemble performance. All of this BEFORE the wonderful final sequence.

Not only Glover, but Malkovich (an Oscar nomination), Fields (one of her Oscars), and the typically understated performance by Ed Harris. Yes, this is a great ensemble.

As too picking which sacrament, baptism may be more associated with evangelism, but communion is associated with the sustenance of the spiritual life. That says it all, I think.

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Not only Glover, but Malkovich (an Oscar nomination), Fields (one of her Oscars), and the typically understated performance by Ed Harris.  Yes, this is a great ensemble. As too picking which sacrament, baptism may be more associated with evangelism, but communion is associated with the sustenance of the spiritual life.  That says it all, I think.  :)

Ed Harris and Lindsay Crouse and Amy Madigan--the bridge game is a brilliant scene.

And the spiritual metaphors in PitH go beyond the conventional, too. I agree that Tender Mercies is a "marvel of understatement," (as Ron said) but PitH has its understatements as well.

Definitely belongs on the list.

[quote]Not only Glover, but Malkovich...and the typically understated performance by Ed Harris. [/quote]

Yes, definitely. Several utterly fine actors. I seem to remember it was the first time I'd seen Malkovich, and was absolutely blown away by his work. I've got the video on my shelf - I'm starting to think I ought to give this one another look!

QUOTE (\"Ron\")

QUOTE Yes, definitely.  Several utterly fine actors.  I seem to remember it was the first time I'd seen Malkovich, and was absolutely blown away by his work.  I've got the video on my shelf - I'm starting to think I ought to give this one another look! First time or me too, as well as for Glover. I remember being more impressed with Glover, but that's me. This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here. Invision Power Board © 2001-2009 Invision Power Services, Inc.