Mr. Sycamore

I screened this movie for possible negative pick up when I worked as Universal's Head of Independent Film Acquisition. First, I have the utmost respect for Jason Robards as an actor. He was one of the best. Having said that he could not save this film which I found meretricious and boring. It was a noble try but for me it just didn't work. I applaud the producers for getting it made. Maybe it would if he was a giant redwood in Muir Woods. A novel like Kafka's Metamorphosis would be more viable due to the symbolism and the verisimiltude. Or, George Orwell's Animal Farm might be another book into film that is viable, But this film is too ripe with faux symbolism and sophistry as well as wooden (no pun intended) to be a movie. Bottom line, Mr.Robards gives it his best effort, but it doesn't save Mr.Sycamore. Perhaps a better title would be Mr. Dendroid.

This film for the longest time made me think I was loosing my mind. I remember watching it on television long long ago as a little child with my mother. Her and I commented on the film all throughout the length of the movie at how wonderful it was.

Years and years later, I brought it up to her, "Hey mom, remember that movie we watched about the old guy who wanted to become a tree so he planted his feet in the backyard?" She had no freegin clue what I was talking about. I insisted we had seen the movie, and told her I even remember where we were sitting in the living room that night. She was clueless. So for a looong time afterwards I really truly thought I had imagined this story in my mind.

Finally, one day a friend and I were talking movies, and I joked with him about how I had created this weird story in my head about this movie about a guy who wants to be a tree, and all nonchalantly he was like, "Oh yeah, Mr. Sycamore... that was a pretty decent flick." WHHATTT?!! There really IS A MOVIE ABOUT THAT!!! And then I come to find out it was Jason Robarts who actually played the part.

I know, this wasn't even a movie review at all, and I have no idea where to find the movie now to watch it again and give it an honest vote out of 10. So I'll leave my story at that. :)

This is a beautiful, fanciful allegory. Jason Robards, Sandy Dennis, and Jean Simmons were the perfect casting choices. A great movie for all Strangers in a Strange Land. Even the love triangle among the leading characters avoids the formulaic approach of Hollywood.

The premise is totally preposterousness. A man who wants to and tries to become a tree! However it might help us all realize that our own authenticity should be achievable. This is exactly the approach taken by Edward Albee in his latest play, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? The movie is apparently the only one Robert Ayre wrote. And although Pancho Kohner has produced many films, including several Charles Bronson films, he has only directed one film other than Mr. Sycamore, The Bridge in the Jungle.

This is a movie for anyone who cannot accept the judgement of the great unwashed masses. It's for anyone who yearns to express their authentic self. Anyone whose life seems to require constantly swimming upstream will love this movie.

Deserves to be more known. I imagine if Ozu or the Italians made it everyone would know about the movie. Magic realism is seldom takes hold in American film because we are too practical and literal-minded. This movie is about the acting though. Sandy Dennis elevated everything she was in. She was especially good at playing alongside crazy men. She doesn't even play straight against them, she is always offbeat too. Jason Robards also elevated everything he's in. This film shows what a perfect actor he is, with a charm and weariness that can sell you a whole universe. Whatever are the weaknesses of the story, it somehow feels completely right due to these performances. You really don't question any of it. You may ask why this was made. I think it makes you see the world in a different light. There is something as well to the mailman walking and walking, and deciding to... well.

I saw this film back in '76 and it made such an impression on me that I've NEVER forgotten it. It touched me and I really did want to be a tree after I saw it-in fact, I still have dreams of being a tree because of this lovely film. I absolutely loved it-it was beautiful. I have been looking for it, wanting to see it again for years. Anyone who says this is a bad film and a waste of time has no imagination or heart. I thought it was well cast. Especially Jason Robards. His portrayal of a mail man who wants something more from life is memorable. I usually don't much care for Sandy Dennis, but she was good in the role of Robard's wife.

Get in touch with your inner child and give this film a chance, it's well worth it.