On M List of Movie Reviews
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Mister Buddwing (1966)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
7/26
7/26:
Of Mister Buddwing, James Garner said, "I'd summarize the plot, but to this day, I have no clue what
it is. Worst picture I ever made. What were they thinking? What was I thinking?"
That piqued my curiosity, and I sought for a DVD copy. Thirty minutes into it, I started to disagree
with the actor by liking the show. It's actually a pretty decent movie overall, being on the same level as
Mirage with Gregory Peck. I think why James Garner had a hard
time comprehending what's going on is that he never was into abstract bullshit.
One thing is for sure: the cinematography is beautiful, hence the Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction.
James Garner is so good-looking in black and white that he should've done more of those films. Four actresses
appear by random chance, and three of them are excellent: Angela Lansbury, Suzanne Pleshette, and Jean
Simmons. Their characters were honestly fine being with James Garner's because he's a very handsome man.
As interesting as the amnesiac (which is a result of PTSD) plot is, I find the home stretch somewhat
disappointing when it should be done in a dramatic fashion, causing Buddwing to go, "Oh, my God...that's
why." Therefore, Mirage is better. As a matter of fact, according to
the trivia section in IMDb: "In the original novel, Grace succeeded in committing suicide. The shock of
finally remembering his wife is dead sends Buddwing reeling back into amnesia."
All in all, Mister Buddwing is a well-made movie with James Garner showcasing larger acting
range than usual.