I'm serious when I say that this is probably the best-written film I know, and Jimmy Stewart's performance as Elwood P. Dowd is, I think, the best of his career.
Elwood P. Dowd is easily the most nuanced character in just about anything. To play him requires the ability to deliver lines which imply a very sharp, sardonic, cynical wit in a way that never betrays an overall sense of general warmth and optimism. He's not just a bumbling, kind, eccentric, he's also an astoundingly brilliant and observant character with a deep sense of clarity and purpose. There is probably no greater character in the entire history of fiction.
The story built up around this man, and it is very much his story, goes to make points about so many things, in ways that involve such big ideas but said in such a simple way, creates a very layered experience. It's a comedy, and yes it makes me laugh every single time, but more than that it's a perfect execution of a character story.
There is probably no story, in film or any other medium, that I love more than
Harvey.
Oh also: hi spambot