The Mind of Mr. Soames

Sadly he wasn't nominated.

This is a very thought provoking film, I read the book before they made the film, it deviated a bit but still a good rendition with great performances from Stamp and Robert Vaughn, always a great actor sad to see him go at a fine old age.

If you want intelligent Sci Fi then is for you, however if Sci Fi means CGI, non stop action with space ships and aliens then don't bother, it's not.

1969's "The Mind of Mr. Soames" was an adaptation of a 1961 Charles Eric Maine novel, perhaps his best known work and certainly superior to earlier efforts like "Spaceways," "The Atomic Man," or "The Electronic Monster." Overshadowed in the wake of Cliff Robertson's similar "Charly," we find Terence Stamp in the title role, a 30 year old man in a lifelong coma only now being prepared surgically to be 'born' through the skills of Dr. Michael Bergen (an engagingly warm turn from Robert Vaughn). Supervising the around the clock television coverage and the patient's lengthy training program is Dr. Maitland (Nigel Davenport), a rather inflexible individual who seems more interested in personal glory than John's welfare. Bergen remains present to offer much needed 'play time' to ease the long term dreariness of teaching lessons, even unlocking the door to allow Soames to explore the outside world for the first time, until Maitland's staff drag him back inside (he was quite willing to return, had they not forced the issue). Rather than risk being hurt again Soames finally rebels, using a chair to knock out his captor and climb over the institution wall to freedom. This adult male with the aptitude of a child learns harsh lessons on his own, unable to pay for meals, facing rejection from schoolchildren playing ball, and finally being injured by a passing motorist whose wife treats him with genuine kindness. Once he's been tracked down to a lonely country barn, Bergen goes inside to help John plead his case, to make his own decision to return without anyone taking him by force. Producer Milton Subotsky's obvious obsession with the name Maitland does not necessarily make Nigel Davenport an out and out villain, though he does clash with Robert Vaughn's more humane treatment, the surgeon well versed in child psychology as father to three kids. Terence Stamp ably conveys the frustration, boredom, and finally sheer joy of first time experience, a difficult role that he carries off in entirely believable fashion. Only a few television airings preceded its fall into complete obscurity, a sad fate for Stamp compared to Cliff Robertson's Oscar-winning performance, but one that also deserves long neglected recognition.

A unique and fascinating film. Terence Stamp should have received an Oscar for his haunting appearance as an adult man revived after 30 years from a coma he had lapsed into at birth. He is totally convincing as the little child in the body of a grown-up man. Much more effective than Tom Hanks in "Big", but "The mind of Mr. Soames" is not a comedy, although it contains many comical and touching scenes. And in spite of the subject it is surely not an overly sentimental or sensational film, it's rather more a character study (although occasionally it is also very thrilling), in fact it's presented in an almost documentary manner, which makes it the more interesting. The film also gives a nice outlook upon the world & society seen through the eyes of a little child. Outstanding photography, even poetical (the scenes when Soames is happy in the garden), and top quality actors in thoughtful roles. An undeservedly obscure film that should be more widely known.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary,this movie is worth watching. It tells a deeply moving story of a man who has awakened from a coma that he has been in since birth and has 30 years of catching up to do. Terence Stamp plays the lead and is well suited to the part. He is a fine actor who has not recei ved enough accolades.

The Tone of the Movie is about the same as the Tone of the Response from Movie Critics and Audiences. Tepid, mildly Engaging, with a Detached but Detailed Observation. The Film Relies on a Documentary Style and approach where Things are Observed, Unfettered, and Matter of Fact.

Occasionally, it does Manage to Draw Interest when the Boring and Predictable become more Lively and Intriguing. The Wakening of a Man from a 30 Year Coma (since birth) and the Clinical Nurturing and "Upbringing" asks the Scientific and Sociological Questions one would Expect, and the Answers are what one would Expect from a Textbook.

The Film does have a Serious Sense of Purpose and some Fine Performances with Leads Terence Stamp and Robert Vaughn Excellent. But in the End it is all about Entertainment and the Movie, going Against Conventional Wisdom and Trends, Delivers a Docu-Drama with the Emphasis on "Doc".

It Anticipates Reality TV's Cold and Truthful Camera without Today's "Spontaneous" "Slight of Hand" that Keeps it from Being Really "Reality". You can only get that from a Hidden Camera. The Film is Worth a Watch for the Good Acting and Sleek Production, but the Decision to go "Low Key" did leave Audiences a bit Disappointed.

But it's just Off-Beat enough to allow a Recommendation. It took a Chance and it almost Succeeds, but Not Quite and was a Noble Effort.