johnkeedwell

I took a look at this film with a slightly wary eye, the title being rather ambiguous and misleading initially. I almost passed it by to watch one of the many screener DVD's I had to view. for possible inclusion in the BAFTA awards. I presumed it was about a runner or maybe an Indian astronaut, possibly. I had no idea initially the "Indian" referred to a great American motorcycle,rather than a particular type of human.I am so glad I wasn't thrown by the title, and started watching. There unfolded a most delightful story about Bert, an instantly rather charming eccentric old character (superbly played by Anthony Hopkins), who built an old 1920's motorcycle in his garden shed. He then attempts to break the world-land speed record on a machine designed to originally travel about 90mph. The plot develops into a most charming and beautiful story of Bert's determination to get to the race event and the journey is as much of the story as the event itself. Obviously I shall not divulge the result or the events that happen, suffice it to say that Bert becomes an instantly likable character by everyone he meets. Bert's charm shines through and he takes everyone he meets at face value and welcomes all with a smile and a shake of the hand. He meets various "characters" along the way who he befriends like long-lost friends,which is a fresh in these days of prejudice and alienation. This was a very innocent time in 1967 for a New Zealander going to America, and there is one of the films most delightful and charming moments when Bert realises all is not quite what it seems when he meets one certain character......... MAKE SURE YOU SEE THIS FILM, it will have you laughing, crying and will uplift you, which is quite uncommon in these days in the movies of blood, killing, violence and savagery. I would be very surprised if Anthony is not at least nominated for his starring role as Bert. Lovely film which needs a different title to me, but then again "it does what it says on the tin", as they say. Go and see it. Great

This film is one that will certainly make you think. Kevin Spacey gives a marvellous performance as Prot, an alien who has arrived from K-Pax, a planet a great distance from the earth. OR is he actually an alien, or an extremely clever patient from a mental home? The authorities seem to think the latter and lock Prot up anyway.As the film develops it becomes quite clear that this is no ordinary patient, however, and Prot displays his knowledge of planets that only a handful of specialists know. It is a really heart warming film, and makes us question who is right, and why we believe them. The ending is left quite open to interpretation, which is wonderful, as you make up your own version of the end, and discuss it afterwards. Spacey gives great performance, and deserves recognition, and the screenplay is fantastic, with some very memorable lines and situations. I am still saying some of them now in conversations, which is a testimony to the writing, and I saw the film about 6 or 7 months ago. A must see film, you will not be disappointed unless you are looking for car chases and explosions. Great film.