Directed by:
Jerry SchatzbergScreenplay:
Garry Michael WhiteCinematography:
Vilmos ZsigmondComposer:
Fred MyrowCast:
Gene Hackman, Al Pacino, Dorothy Tristan, Ann Wedgeworth, Richard Lynch, Eileen Brennan, Rutanya Alda, Penelope Allen, Audrianne Waters, Karen Lamm (more)Plots(1)
US drama starring Gene Hackman and Al Pacino. Trying to hitch a ride on a desolate California road, fresh-out-of-prison Max (Hackman) meets ex-sailor Lion (Pacino). They are both heading east, as Max dreams of opening a car wash in Pittsburgh and Lion believes that the wife and child he left behind will still welcome him home. The two decide to journey together, forging an increasingly deep yet uncertain friendship, as Lion teaches Max how not to be so pugnacious and Max senses Lion's fragility. When the pair hits Detroit, Lion finally gets in touch with his wife and discovers how she really feels. When Lion is shattered by the revelation, Max must decide if he should forge on alone or sacrifice his carefully guarded savings to help his friend. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (3)
A very decent road movie in all respects. If that is not enough to lure you in, then young Al Pacino and Gene Hackman should. Their acting performances were great and overall I liked that the film had such a nice relaxed atmosphere. Even though it doesn’t look like it at all in the beginning.
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Schatzberg's film tries to follow in the footsteps of Midnight Cowboy and focuses on two outsiders on the fringes of society and the city, but something is off. In my opinion, the dramatic aspect of the story doesn't work as it should because I watched the movie at 10 in the morning and couldn't avoid having mini naps, especially in the first half. Those familiar with Schatzberg's work can't expect a fast pace, but I wouldn't blame Scarecrow for its tempo. It's more the story itself and its events that are lacking, and perhaps I was missing a strong musical motif like "Everybody's Talking at Me." I have no issue with Hackman and Al Pacino's performances, yet my overall impression is average, around 55%. However, I do like the choice of the theme. Not many films having this topic are made in the United States.
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An excellent drama about friendship with the great Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. Relaxed pace in the beginning, making one think that life can be nice after all, is replaced in the middle by harsh reality, which, by the end, almost crushes you, mainly due to the performances of the two protagonists. I'd like to believe they eventually opened the carwash.
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