A New Leaf

Il not recount the story, as others have. The lack of response and proper public recognition for this film my be due to Elaine May's very dry wit and wry sense of humor, which, I think, simply sailed over the heads of many viewers. And it's truly most unfortunate, as this is a VERY funny film (for those who are perceptive and appreciate the subtler and darker shades of humor and life)! To the dude who rated it a "1": "A New Leaf" was nominated for 2 Golden Globes (Comedy -- Best Picture and Best Actress) and for the WGA's (the industry's official Writer's Guild -- i.e., her peers, other screenwriters) writing award for best comedy (from another medium) that year! No offense, but I value my own (and their) sensibilities a bit more than yours!! And it's impeccably acted, as others have mentioned, filled with flawless comedic timing and wry, wry wit. Simply wonderful.

My room mate and I love this film. We're always quoting lines from it.

"There's carbon on the valves!"

"I've achieved a sort of immortality. As a footnote and under G."

"Henrietta, you have your head in the arm hole!"

I respect Ms. May so much I feel a little guilty enjoying the film she disowned. I hope one day she will, if possible, do a "Touch Of Evil" style re-editing of the film, so that we can enjoy it as she originally intended. I guess you could say that this is my hope and my dream, which is to say that my hope and my dream are the same (my dream.)

Elaine May has created a many layered comedy that stays with you, if you can connect with it. The paths ones life takes often has many bends. Henry (Matthau) has no idea how many. Born to a life style he can not maintain, he chooses to deal with adversity by ignoring it. Eventually reality shakes him loose, and he must learn to deal with things and give back to society rather than taking from it. Henrietta (May) is his victim and his savior. The epitome of a child who was always sent away, she has grown into a person who is not really there. Her catalyst and transmogrifier is Henry. Haunting dialog and poignant social exposition make this classic 70's sleeper worth every stretch.

One of those films which has no real highlight but which never the less leaves you feeling that you have just really enjoyed the movie. Matthau plays his roll in a way that no other could, making you feel real contempt for his character until at the last fence, he redeems himself completely. Producing and acting in the major supporting role shows the bungling and accident prone Elaine May on top form also. A real forgotten gem that is certainly worth the view.

Every now and then you stumble across a film that has been forgotten, or just ignored, and for the life of you, you can't figure out why. "A New Leaf" is such a film. Seeing this wonderful comedy for the first time was the movie-watching equivalent of discovering buried treasure.

One of the marks of an excellent comedy is one that you can watch a number of times and still laugh involuntarily even though you know what is coming. The performances of Matthau and May, as well as the supporting cast are that priceless.

So many funny and memorable scenes, but a couple of my favorites are: the meeting between Henry Graham (Matthau) and his accountant Beckett (Redfield) as Beckett tries to contain his frustration and explain to Matthau that his money is gone ("perfect"); and the scene where Graham crawls to his rich uncle (James Coco) to ask to borrow money while the uncle is favoring an electric pepper mill during his lavish meal (the expressions on Matthau's face are exquisite).

A delightful, black romantic comedy that somehow manages to be very light, and as a bonus even subtly tosses out some profound truths.