esrosedotblog

NATURAL

Today's New York Times Best 1176 Film was

Local Hero (1983)

Charming is the word.

It seems, at first, as though this will be about the oil people spoiling another small, pretty location and, in that respect, we are taken in entirely.

This is a Bill Forsyth film. We have already seen Gregory's Girl. In fact 'Gregory' is in this one in a smallish part; a member of the Forsyth rep company.

It takes place in a small Scottish town. The oil company wants to buy it and the surrounding land for a new facility.

The town takes over and saves itself. I mean the town and the land, not necessarily just the people. Although it is nip and tuck for awhile. All that oil money.

The oil tycoon here is Burt Lancaster. I told you. He is in more of the Best Films than any other actor. He is, yet again, a strong center to the plot; the through line.

All the rest of the people are unknowns and just fabulously good.

There are times when there is just a bit too much whimsy for me but that is OK. There is also the tart and sour side line which shows human nature in all its colors.

I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5. I enjoyed it and it was satisfying at the end. Close call though.