Mr. Sycamore

The only reason I cannot give this movie a higher or lower rating is that I saw it 20 years ago or so when I was a teenager in an altered state of consciousness. This movie gave me such a wonderful feeling because after all, many of us can relate to wanting to escape this ordinary life of bills and drudgery. I would really like to see it again, of course this time would be a more clearheaded viewing. I think I would still like it though mainly because I haven't given up on movies and music to help escape. This movie did that for me then. I wish I could find a copy on DVD but several attempts to find it have availed nothing. I feel as though this movie viewed with an open heart and open mind, without the typical expectations of a Hollywood film, would be a great movie.

I first saw this movie about 1975 on TV and it made a huge impact on me...so much so that I changed my name to Mr. Sycamore. In 1986 I decided to change my name legally (mainly because I didn't like my dad). My birth name was Thomas Gee, but when I finally decided to make a new name for myself I thought of how I loved this movie and so I changed my name to Tom Sycamore which I have been for the past 22 years).

I have always been a huge fan of Sandy Dennis, and the idea from this movie that one can create your own life (even if it involves becoming a tree) makes this a very special movie.

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.

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.

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.