The Mind of Mr. Soames

I would like to see this movie shot today and see what differences an other director would make of the subject. Excellent production values give notice that the effort to make a unique movie for the late 60's was undertaken. Stamp gives a strong performance and the movie is not boring. Robert Vaughn and Nigel Davenport serve as capable teachers to the brain injured man and give fine supporting roles in this less than successful movie. What holds this movie together is the fine close ups of Stamp as he discovers a world of wonderment and allows the viewer an opportunity to see if the human condition is retarded by 30 years of laying in a bed in a vegetative state. Finding out that question is what makes this movie fun.

"The Mind of Mr. Soames" is a uniquely original and genuinely absorbing medical drama/thriller, but let's get one thing unmistakably clear from the beginning: this is a primarily talkative and thought-provoking film, so everyone who's expecting spectacular action sequences or sensational Science Fiction footage might feel sorely disappointed or even cheated after his/her viewing! Kind of like with, for example, "The Andromeda Strain", my advice would be not to start watching this film late at night when you're already battling sleep, because you'll lose, regardless of how compelling and innovative the subject matter is. "The Mind of Mr. Soames" thrives on its intellectual screenplay (based on a novel by Charles Eric Maine), atypical character studies and deeply admirable acting performances. The atmosphere, as well as several individual sequences, is unsettling and suspenseful, but more from a social and human interest point of view… if that makes sense.

In Dr. Maitland's private clinic, cozily hidden in the rural British countryside, this 30-year-old patient John Soames has been lying in a coma ever since birth. Dr. Maitland has now invited the acclaimed American Dr. Bergen – as well as a whole army of TV reporters and journalists – to perform progressive brain surgery in an ultimate attempt to wake John up. The operation succeeds, but John naturally has 30 years of learning and development to catch up. Tension mounts when Dr. Maitland insists on subjecting John Soames to a strict schedule, while Dr. Bergen pleads for letting him explore and discover life freely. John himself clearly feels trapped within the clinic's walls and escapes, but the baby inside a grown man's body isn't ready to deal with the world… or vice versa. The most admirable thing about "The Mind of Mr. Soames" is that it never reverts to clichés or cheap sensation. The character of Dr. Maitland, for example, easily could have been a stereotypical tyrant or obsessive scientist, but even he remains an integer and identifiable person. The (anti-)climax, often described as boring and unsatisfying, is actually a very honest piece of cinema. Director Alan Cooke, usually active in television, does a very good job and also could depend on really great actors. Terence Stamp is simply terrific in the titular role, as he puts a lot of heart and childish innocence in the persona of John Soames. Robert Vaughn delivers what is probably the most mature performance of his career and Nigel Davenport is reliable as always. This was a very atypical film for the Amicus production studios and a very atypical film altogether, but recommended for sure.

A unique and fascinating film. Terence Stamp should have received an Oscar for his haunting appearance as an adult man revived after 30 years from a coma he had lapsed into at birth. He is totally convincing as the little child in the body of a grown-up man. Much more effective than Tom Hanks in "Big", but "The mind of Mr. Soames" is not a comedy, although it contains many comical and touching scenes. And in spite of the subject it is surely not an overly sentimental or sensational film, it's rather more a character study (although occasionally it is also very thrilling), in fact it's presented in an almost documentary manner, which makes it the more interesting. The film also gives a nice outlook upon the world & society seen through the eyes of a little child. Outstanding photography, even poetical (the scenes when Soames is happy in the garden), and top quality actors in thoughtful roles. An undeservedly obscure film that should be more widely known.

The Tone of the Movie is about the same as the Tone of the Response from Movie Critics and Audiences. Tepid, mildly Engaging, with a Detached but Detailed Observation. The Film Relies on a Documentary Style and approach where Things are Observed, Unfettered, and Matter of Fact.

Occasionally, it does Manage to Draw Interest when the Boring and Predictable become more Lively and Intriguing. The Wakening of a Man from a 30 Year Coma (since birth) and the Clinical Nurturing and "Upbringing" asks the Scientific and Sociological Questions one would Expect, and the Answers are what one would Expect from a Textbook.

The Film does have a Serious Sense of Purpose and some Fine Performances with Leads Terence Stamp and Robert Vaughn Excellent. But in the End it is all about Entertainment and the Movie, going Against Conventional Wisdom and Trends, Delivers a Docu-Drama with the Emphasis on "Doc".

It Anticipates Reality TV's Cold and Truthful Camera without Today's "Spontaneous" "Slight of Hand" that Keeps it from Being Really "Reality". You can only get that from a Hidden Camera. The Film is Worth a Watch for the Good Acting and Sleek Production, but the Decision to go "Low Key" did leave Audiences a bit Disappointed.

But it's just Off-Beat enough to allow a Recommendation. It took a Chance and it almost Succeeds, but Not Quite and was a Noble Effort.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary,this movie is worth watching. It tells a deeply moving story of a man who has awakened from a coma that he has been in since birth and has 30 years of catching up to do. Terence Stamp plays the lead and is well suited to the part. He is a fine actor who has not recei ved enough accolades.