Heavy

I'm not sure what's more remarkable - the excellence of this movie, or the fact that it could have come and gone in 1995 with so little broad notice, then or in the years since. It's a quiet, uncomplicated film, with no great drama beyond what may transpire in the average person's life. Yet it's endearing in that simplicity, and a marvel in consideration of all the pieces that come together to produce it. 'Heavy' isn't a masterpiece, but it's a wonderful picture that deserves to be seen much more.

Just look at the names involved: A cast helmed by Pruitt Taylor Vince, Liv Tyler, Shelley Winters, Deborah Harry. Music by Thurston Moore. The first feature of accomplished film-maker James Mangold, as writer or director. Moreover, 'Heavy' got strong attention at major film festivals upon release, and it's no wonder why; for all the low-key modesty and the clarity of vision, this is a fantastic movie.

Major themes stand out of self-confidence, loneliness, depression, and unreciprocated affection. Well before obesity and fatphobia became hot-button topics, the film touches on these notions through the personal struggles of protagonist Victor (Vince). Through it all, there's no small sense of awkwardness as we bear witness to the character drama playing out. The end result is a picture that's pointedly uncomfortable, and somewhat difficult for that reason - yet all the more rewarding.

It's so entrancing that before we know it 'Heavy' is half over, then three-quarters. It helps that the cast is so outstanding. That goes for Harry, as Dolores, a woman tired of dealing with other people, and Winters, as Dolly, personable and forthright. Tyler, as Callie, demonstrates a nuance and range that other parts have not wholly allowed her to express. Callie is a complicated character, with a laundry list of personal issues that could be the basis for a feature film all by themselves, and Tyler manages that complexity deftly. Yet it's Vince, as Victor, who stars as a man silently at war with himself over his desires and perceived inadequacies. Vince contains multitudes in his unmistakable gaze, and communicates as much in his expressions if not more than in his dialogue. Commonly seen in supporting roles, it's good to watch him in the lead here.

Even given moments of sudden noise or emotional outburst, this is a film that's very subdued in tone, much more about the characters than a robust narrative, or technique. Yet in that focus it's easy to become absorbed with the marvelous screenplay Mangold concocted, and the scenes he orchestrates. One can see traces of his later films in the knack for personal crisis that he began to develop here, and it's a pleasure to watch.

Once more - I think this came and went with far too little fanfare upon release, probably in no small part on account of the filmmaker's lack of reputation at that time. That said, it's a mistake to not check out 'Heavy' now if one has the chance, because this is a superb drama filled with great character and performances, and I'd be hard-pressed not to recommend it to just about anyone.

"Heavy" is not the type of movie I would watch when looking for action, thrills, horror, or adventure. It's not about a fat guy making goo-goo eyes at a pretty waitress where he makes pizzas, either... although that could be seen from an outsider's glance.

The movie captures a period of time where our big hero, Victor, is experiencing a number of life-altering changes. From what we know, he has always led a sheltered life under the regime of his mother. When a new waitress, Callie (Liv Tyler), starts work at the bar, Victor's daily life is suddenly altered from a spark of curiosity. He's not a perverted horndog, but he is fascinated by this girl's kindness and beauty, watching her from afar and having visions of her as the drama grows. It's the quiet internal struggle Victor faces that really heightens the intensity of the movie. Those nervous eyes, the quiet voice, the big guy who won't fight back... he is a man trying to become a man. By the end of the film, we are at least given the hope that he is now on the right track.

It's the subtle moments in "Heavy" that really make the film. From the airplanes soaring overhead, giving transition to new points in the lives of the characters, to the Boston Terrier noticing important details, this movie is one to sit back and ponder. The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. It's a lesson on how the quiet subtle moments in life can be the most important.

This film is beautifully shot, and full of emotion. It is a character study. Very little action,of even the most basic kind. But you are drawn into the film, if you have even the slightest compassion, by the sheer loneliness and alienation of the characters.

The lead character, Vincent, is a middle aged man, weighing 250lbs. Heavy.

Our first introduction to Vincent plays upon our own bigoted perceptions of big guys: that they're all perverts. But through the film, we get to know Vince, and find that he is motivated, or rather paralyzed, by a fear of change and a painful shyness. His also a highly moral person. Not in the Christian sense, which would tend to make him seem truly perverse, but in the Human sense. He believes in Dignity and, despite the seemingly futility of it, Hope. These are hard things to find in the small town in which he resides; especially considering he works in the family pub. I won't give away the ending, but HOPE sums it up.

The film deals with the hardships of being an overweight man, without indicting anyone or blaming anyone; and without telling the audience that being a big boy is inherently evil. In fact, Director James Mangold has much affection for this lonely man. If you have ANY opportunity to watch this film on DVD with Mangold's commentary, please do, but only after you have watched the film once or twice.

Pruitt Taylor Vince is perhaps in this film better than I have ever seen him. He is a beautiful man, whose eyes are filled with every emotion imaginable. I can tell, he has been through these painful experiences before in his own life.

The rest of the cast is great too. You won't see glamorous people here. Shelly Winters plays the mother with a spareness that makes you think there's not much underneath, but as the film unfolds you find the exact opposite.

Deborah Harry essentially revisits the "Wise Guy" character she played, but without the glamor. Lost and desperate, and too old to pretend she's not.

Liv Tyler, in one of her first roles, is also lost and desperate, but without the cynicism of Harry. Great counterbalance. She is also beautiful, and compassionate.

Mangold knows human nature. Here, he takes the brave step of challenging the audience to stop and think about it. The pauses in this movie are amazing, and say more than 30 minutes of a traditional narrative film do. This film is not just about a heavy guy...it is about all of us; how we react to those who are different, our own insecurities, our own sorrows, loneliness, and frail hearts. And yet, it defies becoming a "chick flick," Perhaps because it does center around the man's experiences, or perhaps because it does not cop out at the end with Cinderella fantasies.

WATCH THIS FILM.

Solemn, but vivid, lovely mood piece about a shy, chubby cook in a river town restaurant who fantasizes about getting to know the new waitress, a perky young thing with long brunette hair and a big charming smile. Graceful film never goes the commercial route, neither injecting shady characters into the mix nor throwing in blatant jokes to give the film comedic uplift. The picture is all on one level, which may drive some viewers batty with impatience, but I found it quietly invigorating. The lead character, Victor (Pruitt Taylor Vince), daydreams, watches airplanes, has secret hopes; he's a loner, and the filmmakers are careful not to flood the screen with potential conquests. There's Debbie Harry as a loose waitress with weary eyes and Liv Tyler, the new hire, who brings fantasy into Victor's life; but, as with all fantasies, the advent of reality diffuses the passionate tension. Director James Mangold is observant and aware, putting this character portrait on film with admirable eloquence. It's his "Marty". *** from ****

Victor works as a cook in his mother's diner along with waitresses Delores and Callie. Callie is the new girl who arouses jealousy in Delores but feelings of longings in Victor. With his mother in the hospital Victor realises that his life needs more to it – but his size puts him off being forward

Like the lead character this is a slow film that requires patience as everything is understated rather than shouted out. The story follows Victor as he tries to make progress from his shy, quiet life one step at a time. The eerie electronic score adds to the feeling of pace and thoughtfulness and in many ways the film backs it up. On the down side it does seem aimless at times and sometimes the plot feels like it isn't real.

These are minor flaws and the director has set a good story for a good cast to carry through on. Vince is especially good as Victor. He fits the role like a glove and his moving eyes and shy gestures bring the character to life and make him totally believable. Tyler is also very good – what a shame that her most successful roles have been in MTV-type of stuff, but she is very bright here. Both Winters and Harry put in good roles but less central than the former two.

Overall this is a very patient piece of work looking at the character of Victor. It may seem aimless and drifting at times but it is quite touching – mainly due to an understated performance from Vince.