Tim

This is one of the better films I have seen starring Mel Gibson. A low budget, Australian film, made in the late seventies, it is a real change from his usual offerings. The basic plot outline (promise I won't spoil! :)) is that Gibson plays the title role of Tim, a 24 year-old man who is slightly mentally retarded. Piper Laurie excels as 'Mary Horton' a successful forty-something widow who takes a romantic interest in Tim, but is unsure if a relationship will work.

The thing that struck me about this movie was it's basic principle. It is not uncommon for rich, forty-something men to be seen with attractive, supposedly less-intelligent women. 'Tim' turns this on its head having a rich, older woman hooking up with an attractive, less intelligent younger man. Society frowns on the latter form relationship, I'm not sure why, and it adds an interesting angle to the story.

The only complaint about the film is the ending. They had such a fantastic idea but the movie just...ends. Loose ends are left and to be honest it seemed tacked on or just plain rushed.

It is a good, heartwarming film with a few weepy bits and one-or-two good ideas not explored well enough but still entertaining nonetheless.

MovieAddict2005 painted a very cruel picture of a very sensitive picture.. Mel Gibson's feeling for the not-too-bright, but likable character Tim was a great tribute to the all-round acting talent of a man too easily typecast as an action actor. Piper Laurie was as ever a joy to watch in the difficult part of "the older woman" and endured ageism , (possibly exhibited a little by MovieAddict2005) with dignity, as did Gibson's character against narrow-minded people who are more "retarded" than he is..

The growing love between them - which came from nowhere, as it should -was as beautiful and real as acting can get.

If the overall production was modest, that's OK. Hollywood is not necessarily the best presenter of simple yet complex human conflict and pain.Australian movies, as shown by such as "Mariel's Wedding" (yes, I know about the spelling) have moved on since the uncomfortable silences of the wooden TV series "Spy Force" and the sheer embarrassment of the "cult" "The Outback"

The Yahoo Movies (sorry!) review described "Tim" as "superb". Rightly Though I dislike numeric ratings, I was asked for one - I gave 7/10. If this sounds low, I'd give the marvellous "The Elephant Man" only 9, even though it has the most moving moment in movie history - the close-up of Anthony Hopkins' face when he realises Merrick could read. You could feel the tears in his eyes as they came to your own. "Tim"'s close-ups could not hope to match this, but they were quietly stunning

No film has ever got 10 - perfection doesn't exist. I would score even Citizen Kane, the greatest of all, 9.5. But "Tim" gets 9/10 for sincerity

The film Tim is one of the most sensitive acting jobs I have seen Mel Gibson do. It is so unusual that a young actor can play a mentally slow young man so well. He gives us insight into the world of feelings of his character with his voice, body language, and facial expression in a way that makes each moment come alive. He is truly living his character. Piper,(Mary), also plays her role with all the care and sensitivity it needs. The story of the growing friendship between the two makes for more of a poem than a movie. A true love story, regardless of age and handycaps. And Tim's parents are well acted and believable. The harsh note of realism comes in the form of Tim's sister who only sees the oddness of it. However, magic prevails and a delicate love story is born. I wish it had been longer to further develop their lives. I also wish Mel Gibson would return more often to his ability to portray sensitive men with such truth.

"Tim" is possibly the most unknown and under-rated of all the films Mel Gibson has done. It is certainly one of the best and proved, quite early in his career, that he knows his craft very well and is well able to carry off a challenging role to perfection. The title character, Tim, is seeking to know the adult world around him without an adults' understanding of the subtilties of life. Mel Gibson plays the part to perfection, neither feeling sorry for himself nor being so crass as to portray this child/man as "cute and silly". He is simple, "Not the full quid", as Tim puts it. But he feels all of an adults needs and finds the person to explain life to him in a way he can understand. Piper Laurie, as Mary, becomes the most important person in Tim's life; and she plays the role with a kindness and compassion usually not seen in today's actors. This film is a must for anyone concerned with raising and educating a child with the challenge of a mental handicap. One could hope that Mel will do more movies of this type, with the love and understanding and true actor's ability he shows in this, his second movie.

This is an excellent, modest story of love between a young, simple man (Mel Gibson) and Mary, a successful, older woman (Piper Laurie).

Director Michael Pate deftly explores the way love deepens without contrivance or adherence to pre-set plot points. Tim is a member of a close-knit family who are all moving away from him -- his sister via marriage, his father via death.

As these changes occur in Tim's life (he is mildly mentally retarded), he is drawn inexplicably but naturally into an unconventional relationship that brings strength and awareness to his life.

Gibson and Laurie are both brilliant in their respective roles, as is the late, great Australian actor Alwyn Kurts, who plays Tim's father and bestows on the character great depth and dimension.

A wonderful, moving film.