Charly

Also known as: Flowers for Algernon

Genre: medical and behavioural drama 

With: Cliff Robertson (Charly Gordon), Claire Bloom (Alice Kinnian), Lilia Skala (Dr. Anna Strauss), Leon Janney (Dr. Richard Nemur), Ruth White (Mrs. Apple), Dick Van Patten (Bert), Edward McNally (Gimpy), Barney Martin (Hank)

Director: Ralph Nelson

Screenplay: Stirling Silliphant (based on a novel by Daniel Keyes)

Release: 1968

Studio: ABC Pictures, Robertson and Associates, Selmur Productions

Rating: -

MBiS score: 8.2/10

 

Tender Soul Meets Hard Science 

 

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Story-line: Charly, a child-like man suffering from mental illness, serves as a study subject to Ms. Kinnian and researchers at the Nemur Strauss Clinic in Boston.  

Pluses: a powerhouse, Oscar-winning performance by Cliff Robertson in one of the most wide-ranging roles you can imagine, splendid support from Claire Bloom and cast, tight, tactful and innovative direction that makes efficient use of split screens and chilling dialogues to drive its story, measured production values, an arresting denouement and Ravi Shankar’s sometimes playful, sometimes sad but always apropos musical score.  

Minuses: if you choose to see CHARLY, be mindful that it plays like an emotional rollercoaster with its succession of heartbreaking, hopeful and exhilarating moments.

Comments: this very modest, beautiful and touching story about mental illness, humility and cherished dreams is as rewarding as any in Cinemaland. For a film entrenched in the specific mindset of the 1960s, it packs surprising relevance for today with its comments on the state of the world. Marvel at Cliff Robertson’s performance, alternately playing a child, a mental patient, a rebellious teenager, a mature man and a committed researcher. While Charly struggles to be a better person, he proves how priceless we all are as human beings. 

 

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