On C List of Movie Reviews
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Conrack (1974)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
3/23
3/23:
Conrack is the first film based on a Pat Conroy book.
Given the subject matter and the South Carolina setting (it was actually shot on location in Brunswick and St. Simons Island, Georgia),
Jon Voight is the perfect choice for the leading role of an idealistic teacher who wants to do some good. At the same time, there's
a nice sense of humor throughout. In the end, Conrack ultimately loses out because he's not conventional enough.
The performances are humanistic with different viewpoints. It's easy to see why Martin Ritt was the right choice to helm the
director's chair, having come from Sounder. I thought Paul Winfield would have a bigger role, but it's fine. Jon Voight
alone is enough, and he's literally the show. I like the camaraderie he developed with the black kids who were Pat
Conroy's students in real life.
Unfortunately, the content isn't fulfilling and doesn't lead to anywhere significant. The teaching stuff is simplistic
at best and useless at worst. I wasn't expecting a lot out of these black students given their profound ignorance. At least,
racism isn't harped on although it'll be easy for Martin Ritt to do so.
All in all, Conrack is a nice, little picture with a fine performance by Jon Voight.