The Rowdyman

It was a great movie that is worth watching many times. It has been many years since I have saw this movie. It still stick out as one of my favourites. If you take the time you will be able to see beyond the screen and see what many actually go though in life. Many are searching for reality and what really counts. Gordon Pinsent play a remarkable role as he always does. His characters always stand out as having something deep that is very important. I have been searching for a copy of this movie for years if you can help it would be very much appreciated. If you have a copy for sale would gladly pay a premium. Please e-mail me if you have a copy for sale even if its taped. Its a shame it is not easily available for this generation would benefit by seeing it.

The Rowdyman is a poignant biography of protagonist Will Cole, a ragged ne'er-do-well who's best intentions go unnoticed by those most important to him. Set in 1970's Newfoundland, Cole's world starts to cave in on him after he becomes inadvertently responsible for the death of his best friend Andrew (Frank Converse). Desperate to retain his wayward lifestyle, Cole has some hard choices to make. Stellar performance by Frank Converse and Will Geer only add to Pinsent's emotional performance. Great soundtrack. Bravo, Gordon!

In Canada, there are some things that have gone unnoticed. This film is unique in its own way. You have a man who is a bit of an underachiever, and a constant troublemaker. He works at a papermill, he has a friend who is with him from the time being. And is getting tired of his shenanigans.

Only a few friends to rely on, but he always gets into trouble. When the people he is close to dies, he becomes very distant and resentful. His friend gets married and tries to start a new life without him. Tragedy strikes when he is killed in a workplace accident. He really needs to get his priorities in place.

It is not bad to be a free-spirited person, but there's a time to be a mature person who takes responsibility for his/her actions.

A very good film.

2 out of 5 stars.

I found everything about this film to be beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful direction, beautiful characters, beautiful scenery. I had heard a great deal about it, and the only way I could see it was to buy it. I'm so glad I did!

Lead actor Gordon Pinsent recently said, that this was his favorite role. I can see why. It has extremely rich character development as he fleshes out the Rowdyman persona.

The movie starts out with a ridiculous slow pace. One is tempted to stop watching-or at least, I was...and that would have been my loss. I encourage all viewers to watch to the end. Repeated viewings will familiarize you with the films rich textures.

The staging, blocking flaws are numerous and I thought the cinematography could have been more steady, but these are minor complaints. Actor, Frank Coverse almost steals the scenes- with his flamboyant Robert Redford allure.

I would like to see the film negative restored to full impact-as we now have the technology readily available. This film in of itself is a national treasure in Canadian filmmaking and like Don Shebib's "Going Down The Road" it should be preserved. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a DVD bonus commentary by both Gordon Pinsent and Frank Converse, while they are still alive in a digital tribute and restoration project?

If you have a chance to view Rowdyman-I highly recommend it.