The Rowdyman

I found everything about this film to be beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful direction, beautiful characters, beautiful scenery. I had heard a great deal about it, and the only way I could see it was to buy it. I'm so glad I did!

Saw it a few times on the CBC a long time ago. I want to get a copy of it on DVD or on the Bluray but theres none to be had anywhere!

In Canada, there are some things that have gone unnoticed. This film is unique in its own way. You have a man who is a bit of an underachiever, and a constant troublemaker. He works at a papermill, he has a friend who is with him from the time being. And is getting tired of his shenanigans.

Only a few friends to rely on, but he always gets into trouble. When the people he is close to dies, he becomes very distant and resentful. His friend gets married and tries to start a new life without him. Tragedy strikes when he is killed in a workplace accident. He really needs to get his priorities in place.

It is not bad to be a free-spirited person, but there's a time to be a mature person who takes responsibility for his/her actions.

A very good film.

2 out of 5 stars.

Lead actor Gordon Pinsent recently said, that this was his favorite role. I can see why. It has extremely rich character development as he fleshes out the Rowdyman persona.

The movie starts out with a ridiculous slow pace. One is tempted to stop watching-or at least, I was...and that would have been my loss. I encourage all viewers to watch to the end. Repeated viewings will familiarize you with the films rich textures.

The staging, blocking flaws are numerous and I thought the cinematography could have been more steady, but these are minor complaints. Actor, Frank Coverse almost steals the scenes- with his flamboyant Robert Redford allure.

I would like to see the film negative restored to full impact-as we now have the technology readily available. This film in of itself is a national treasure in Canadian filmmaking and like Don Shebib's "Going Down The Road" it should be preserved. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a DVD bonus commentary by both Gordon Pinsent and Frank Converse, while they are still alive in a digital tribute and restoration project?

If you have a chance to view Rowdyman-I highly recommend it.

I fondly remember seeing this film on the CBC in the early '70s. It is just as funny and touching as I remember. It should be more widely seen today. If it is possible for a foreign made film to be included on the National Film Registry that Congress created The Rowdyman should definitely be included. The Rowdyman is a hallmark and masterpiece not only of Canadian cinema but the cinema of any nation. Gordon Pinsent is an extraordinarily talented actor and writer. If the area where this film was shot looks anything like it did in the early 1970s I would love to vacation there. This film is a high point in the career of all involved.