Paul's Case

I saw this today in my grade 10 English class, I loved it (ok, ok, I was the only one who saw the genius behind it, everyone else hated it and was pleased it "killed time") In my honest opinion I thought this was a great movie that was very provocative and well done.

Paul's Case is a captivating and thought-provoking movie that beautifully brings the short story by Willa Cather to life. Eric Roberts delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the troubled and intriguing protagonist, Paul. His portrayal masterfully captures the complexity of Paul's character, drawing viewers into his world and inner turmoil.

The movie's production values are impressive, effectively capturing the essence of the early 20th-century setting and the stark contrast between Paul's mundane reality and his fantastical aspirations. The cinematography and art direction are visually stunning, transporting audiences to a bygone era with an immersive and evocative atmosphere.

The story is poignant and compelling, delving into themes of alienation, the pursuit of beauty and art, and the conflict between societal expectations and individual desires. As the narrative unfolds, viewers journey through Paul's vivid imagination and longing for a life of grandeur and beauty, making for a profoundly engaging and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Overall, Paul's Case is a timeless and significantly affecting movie that stays true to the spirit of Cather's original work. Eric Roberts' exceptional performance, combined with the movie's evocative visuals and poignant storytelling, make it a must-see for anyone who appreciates a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of the human condition.

I showed it to my students for English class. Some students liked it a lot. Some students thought it was difficult to understand. But as for myself, I thought it was captivating and deep. I first read Paul's Case in a college English course and remember it as one of my favorite short stories. I felt rather empathetic to the character, Paul being the protagonist, the world the antagonist. I appreciated the symbol of the flowers and the color red, as a representation of his mother. In his father, I saw a man who could not identify at all with his son. Despite the fact that the story was written in 1906, it could easily take place now, 100 years later. Some of my students didn't like that it left out some parts from the story in the movie. Some didn't like that it ended abruptly. They thought it needed more detail. My other students liked that it was a psychological case. It made them think enough about life. And thinking is one of the things I like to have my students do!

I love the story of Paul's case, a fervent wish for beauty in a dull boring life, but I felt that Eric Roberts did not truly get a grasp on his character, so he played Paul as boring and dull as his surroundings. Even when he does get to New York, and the kind of life that he wished- if only for a short time- you see no change in his reactions to the surroundings. Costumes and settings were wonderful, supporting actors were fine. I just felt that for a character that the whole story revolves around, we should have had a little more insight into motivations- it's easier when it's read in a story. All in all, an acceptable attempt.

I saw this over 20 years ago and it stays with me to this day. When it snows I am reminded of particular scenes in the movie, also whenever I get the chance to visit the theater or a museum. Eric Roberts embodied the young man Paul...and I see him to this day as Paul no matter what his character. He had the dark, brooding, depth of soul Willa Cather's boy had. An American classic...it speaks to the soul of everyday man as to the necessity for art to make life live-able...there is more to it than drudgery...something forgotten in modern day society...the arts give our existence color. When you don't have that...why live in a gray world? Willa Cather's story speaks to this and this version screams it. Excellent.