The Rowdyman

I remember the night I saw The Rowdyman clearly, I was at the rink playing hockey with my friends and my older sister came and got me because we had to go see some stupid movie from Newfoundland(my dad was from Corner Brook). So I begrudgingly went to the theater with my family, and The Rowdyman isn't really a I think my life changed that night, I'm glad my parents dragged me out. I had never seen anything like it (at twelve years old). To me this was a very real reflection on how screwed up people can be, I left the theater a smile on my face and a few good lines memorized. I would highly recommend this down to earth movie.

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.

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.

Gordon Pinsent, one of Canada's best actors ever, portrays a womanizing drunk who refuses to grow. Is he a hero refusing to adjust to the norms of society (even the very liberal society of a small Canadian town) or a man arrested in development. Either way, his antics are hysterical, and the movie leaves the conclusions to the viewer. If you love original, daring story telling, show casing unknown but great talent (even the songs are original and GREAT), then you should check this out.

OK even if you just want a good laugh you should check this out.

Saw it a few times on the CBC a long time ago. I want to get a copy of it on DVD or on the Bluray but theres none to be had anywhere!