On D List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
3/08
3/08:
Although I like several aspects of Driving Miss Daisy, it doesn't win me over completely.
The first half leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but things are better afterwards. The cinematography is nice,
soft, and gentle which helps. Then, there's the wonderful relationship between Dan Aykroyd and Morgan Freeman.
Both give outstanding performances, saving the film from sinking further. Another I like is how age is shown
on the three lead characters. Hence, the makeup job is commendable.
Dan Aykroyd is a funny guy, but he's more suitable in dramas. He also can act as well with the best of them. 1989 was
particularly a strong year for Morgan Freeman, and the films he did were Driving Miss Daisy,
Glory, Lean on Me, and
Johnny Handsome which are enough to last one's reputation for life.
Now, on to the negatives: despite the racial undertones not bothering me, it's annoying to see Jessica Tandy's
character as the southern belle. If it was Vivien Leigh instead, I might reconsider my opinion which explains why she got
the part for A Streetcar Named Desire. There isn't much of substance in the dialogue, but the emotions, especially
when the development of friendship is laid bare, are paid off in dividends.
All in all, Driving Miss Daisy isn't overrated, but it lacks depth and subtlety and can be racist in some ways.