source: Sometimes a Great Notion

Trailer—Sometimes a Great Notion

Right from the beginning you have a Logging Union Leader on the front porch of the Stamper Family. They are independents and they have a contract. And they "Never Give an Inch" and they do not break their word... The Union Leader using that innocent line narrative threatens them while NOT threatening them. Paul Neuman in his controlled understated acting responds beautifully catching both meanings. And you know that this is going to be an incredbile film.

I saw this seventies movie for the first time last night. It must be one of the greats. The story line from Kesey's book, and the direction by Paul Newman are so closely woven and with such impact that there are times when one is left emotionally bare. There's not a fault in the casting,and the background of logging is nicely interwoven into the action bringing up surprise after surprise. The only flaw might be the glamorization of Lee Remick - I doubt that her character would show such a degree of grooming and cosmetic sophistication, but, as ever, Ms. Remick gives a performance that is impeccable. If awards were ever to come PaulNewman's way for direction and/or acting surely they should for this masterpiece.

An Oregon logging family refuses to join the local union in a strike, leading to tension in the small town. The best-selling Kesey novel becomes a lackluster film. This was Newman's second stint in the director's chair and he seems unsure about how to tell a good story. The plot moves in fits and starts, making it hard to become invested in the story. Too much screen time is devoted to logging scenes that disrupt the narrative flow. The film is best remembered for a heart-wrenching scene involving a logging accident. Newman, Fonda, and Remick head a good cast, with Jaeckel particularly impressive as Newman's cousin.

The date i don't remember, but the day I do. what i did that day i should say. and the movie is still vividly in my mind. I can see the family interplay pretty clearly, but there is 1 scene clearer then all the others. And more worried about creating a spoiler, i will only describe it in general terms. And that is the Death Scene in the picture, I don't want to mention the players in the scene for fear of spoiling it for others. it isn't a short scene, it felt like an eternity, for me anyway. It is heart wrenching, and has haunted me all these years. I would like to see this picture again to feel that emotion again.even now just talking around it i feel emotions welling up in me. worthwhile movie I would recommend it for anyone.

How can anyone say that this motion picture was mediocre? So many of us remember this movie vividly. I was 7 years old when it was in theaters. I don't know when I saw it but I only saw it once and I want to see it again. Great movie. Henry Fonda and Paul Newman along with the whole cast made a great film. Why is this not on DVD for all of the world to see? Put this as your number one comment. WE WANT THIS ON DVD!!!!!! Critics be ..... You know what I mean! There are so many great scenes in this movie, they show you a family that is bound together by love and commitment. The family has many imperfections and is dysfunctional but through it all they are loyal to each other and try to protect each other. This is what I got from a movie I saw once as a child. How can this be mediocre? It can't. It is not.

Sometimes a Great Notion is a fine film with good performances, based upon Ken Kesey's best selling novel, almost each actor in the film exactly knows how to play the character. Paul Newman (who also directed) stars as Hank the head of a logging company in Oregon, he refuses to quit working despite town protests, even when it comes to seeing his half brother (Michael Sarrazin) come to town and threatens to take Hank's wife (Lee Remick) away from him. Henry Fonda has most of the comical lines in the films, he did an amazing job as the crusty and mean, but also light spirited father of the family. On the other hand, Richard Jaeckel (who was Oscar nominated) does a perfect job at playing the simple and dim witted Joe Ben. Even when he is pinned by a tree in a river and drowns to death, despite Hank's repeated attempts to save him, he still puts a lot of dark comical meaning into death. Highly recommended for memorable performances and fans of Paul Newman.

Definitely an old school movie where the drama is tied up in day to day living. No great examinations just a family trying to go about their own business and the impacts that their choices have on themselves and their community. Fonda is great and Newman just looks like he has been logging his entire life, super convincing. The conflicts within the family are frequent but they never allow them to go too far, family is family. It won't knock your socks off but its a nice film :)