A young man’s failed suicide attempt cripples him but he finds a new lease for life in the unlikely form of a neighborhood bar that befriends him unquestioningly.

CRITIQUE

I recall seeing this quirky sleeper gem in 1980 on HBO when I was about 13 and was enthralled with the unique story about a man named Roary (John Savage, best known for his superb similar work in The Deer Hunter, and a highly underrated actor) whose failure at suicide in a freefall off a 10-story building in LA leads to a painful recovery and his gradual acceptance of a second chance at life. 

He discovers it at Max’s Bar, a dive that houses many handicapped denizens, misfits and colorful types including a trio of elderly men (veteran character actors Bill Henderson, Bert Remsen and Academy Award winner Harold Russell, who won a special Oscar for The Best Years of Our Lives, a WWII vet who lost both his hands with hooks for substitutes); an affable bartender named Jerry (David Morse in one of his earliest and memorable turns) who has a lame leg as well; and a beautiful waitress named Louise (Diana Scarwid, who would gain an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress). It is here that Roary eventually comes out of his shell, finds a best friend in Jerry and a possible soul mate in Louise, and more importantly a new outlook on life itself.

Directed with aplomb, reassurance and tender care by veteran helmsman Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon, The Omen, Superman) the film unspools very gradually and certain likelihoods are just accustomed for the way the story unfolds (i.e. characters pop up out of nowhere with no backgrounds on them but just like life, accepted as part of the fabric of society). 

Based on a novel by Tony Walton and adapted superbly with finesse, wit and humanity by scribe team Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson (who would go on to his own acclaim as an Oscar winning filmmaker for Rain Man), the movie is a minor miracle in acting, directing and screenwriting. 

Bare bones for all the world to see but a precious heart at its center with flawless performances by its three leads and some truly heart-wrenching yet not maudlin moments (Savage’s climactic confrontation with both Morse and Scarwid are for the film vault and should be viewed by students of acting to see what true acting really is!)

It made my heart warm to hear this incredible film was finally coming out on DVD and I can truly say it was my pleasure to re-experience this true original film that has echoes of Hal Ashby and any other 1970’s ‘golden age’ film of its waning era on the cusp of a new decade that would more or less push nuance aside.

One last personal note: when I first saw this with my good friend and neighbor Joe Hetro, we would always greet each other with the “Hey – Jer-REE!” fist pump; a fine memory of my childhood.

THE VIDEO

Inside Moves is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The film looks great with its natural light sources giving it a documentary-like visage.

THE AUDIO

Inside Moves is presented in English Dolby Surround with English and Spanish subtitles. The sound is standard and clear.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary with Richard Donner and Brian Helgeland: Director Richard Donner and compadre scribe Brian Helgeland discuss  the film with some thoroughness and funny stories along the way of making the picture including some insight to how difficult the film was in finding an audience (the indie distributor only had it out for a week during Christmas!) and how this was Russell’s second film in 30 odd years since his Oscar win and how he was persuaded to come out of retirement (Russell’s profession turned to assisting help with the disabled community and war veterans). It’s kind of cool to hear the avuncular Donner getting choked up at re-discovering what is his most personal – and naturally - favorite  film he had the honor of making; it certainly shows.

“From the Inside Out”: Far too brief interviews with novelist Todd Walton and filmmaker Donner but what they provide is just enough to satisfy the viewer/fan of the film in just how personal the project became to both men.

Still Gallery of Richard Donner’s Original Shooting Script with Handwritten Notes: Accessible only by computer with special features; offers extensive and enlightening info on the script overall.

FINAL THOUGHTS