Tender Mercies (1983)

Tender Mercies (1983)

I remember watching Tender Mercies for the first time. I sat in stunned silence after viewing this quiet drama. I really did not expect much, and I’ll be honest when I thought the plotline did not stand out to me. Considering the lead actor Robert Duvall and the fact the film was nominated for five Academy Awards, I decided to check out the movie. It is a small, contemplative film. Nothing stands out in an immediate way; no crazy dialogue, no action scenes, an intentionally slow pace. However, the power of this story enveloped me long after I finished this movie. It is a story about redemption, about love, and about trying to find positivity in a life where perhaps one does not have much of it.

This story was written by playwright Horton Foote. If that name sounds familiar to you, he was the guy who brought How to Kill A Mockingbird to the silver screen in 1962. For a period of time, he lost interest in Hollywood because he felt their system lacked the chance for anyone to tell their stories on a personal level. He eventually renewed interest and created this movie directly into a script. The story was inspired by a few people he personally knew-including his own nephew. Rumors, that were eventually debunked, were saying Mr. Foote wrote the script with Duvall in mind-because Duvall was involved in the film at such an early stage.

The film had trouble getting made at first. Studios, until Universal came along, did not care for this type of movie. Also troubling was that they could not find an American director. The producers were impressed with a 1980 feature called Breaker Morant. They hired that film’s director- Bruce Beresford. Although he was an Australian director, he was able to relate to the themes portrayed. For example, the small towns of Texas reminded him of the rural outback of Australia. Their citizens also reminded him of the folks back home. Beresford’s direction and Foote’s script were impressive in keeping the movie as authentic as possible. The authenticity added power to the story.

This movie is about a washed-up country star named Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall). His fame is long gone, is an alcoholic, and just wanders the state of Texas with nothing in mind except for a bottle of whiskey. One day, he stumbles upon a widow, Rosa Lee (Tess Harper) and her 10-year old son, Sonny (Allan Hubbard). He works as a handyman for her. As time flies by, her begins to feel a personal connection for the family, and this connection allows him to better himself as a person. Perhaps that may mean he would be able to confront his past- including his country singer ex-wife, Dixie (Betty Buckley) and his 18-year old daughter, Sue Anne (Ellen Barkin).

The performances are small, authentic, and nothing over-the-top-which is why they are fantastic. Robert Duvall won his first Oscar for his simple but powerful performance. If anything, this might be his most understated performance ever. As his co-stars can attest, he was really Mac Sledge. He played the guitar and sung his own songs. I thought he did a decent job with these songs. Tess Harper was a real find. She had no acting experience, but Beresford really liked her authentic Texan persona. Betty Buckley, who knows how to sing, does incredible as the bitter ex-wife. Her song “Over You” is a song that needs to be heard. Also, there are great supporting turns by Ellen Barkin and Wilford Brimley-who plays a friend/manager of the family.

Out of all of Foote’s works, scholars agree that this screenplay is the most spiritual. Many religious, Christian values are at work here. The themes of a man finding redemption within himself is prevalent here. Mac is given opportunities with a new family, a new band to help himself. The theme of love is powerful here. Mac loves his new family, but he also loves his old family. There are personal tragedies that take place within the film and before the film’s events that allow him to make these personal connections. Foote himself noted that although the film depicts more spiritual values, he also wanted to show what every-day life meant to these Texans.

I thought the cinematography was really good, thanks to Russell Boyd. He used natural light to make the film look authentic. There are a few scenes where his use of the long take made the film incredibly powerful, especially with the Texan landscapes in the background. There is no original score, but the country music makes up the film’s music. These songs are very good, especially “Over You” which was nominated for an Oscar.

Overall, Tender Mercies is a very quiet film that stays with you for a long time. If you saw and liked 2009’s Crazy Heart, consider watching this movie. Very similar movies with similar themes. Both are very powerful pieces of art. Thanks to Robert Duvall’s outstanding performance; this movie is definitely one must see. The film was not marketed well and Universal essentially gave up on the movie, so many people did not get the proper chance to see it in 1983. Well, it’s still available to see now!

My Grade: A-