Carny 1980
Movie - Review & Info

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Film Review:

Personally I've always loved the American carnivals, and Carny is one from a long line of films that uses one as the backdrop for its story, and promised to be a firm favourite of a film given my love of the subject matter. Carny gives a peek into the underbelly of the scene, the sordid, the interesting and the trade secrets.

It follows the adventures of Patch, a water tank clown, played with depth and colour by the ever reliable Gary Busey. At times psychotic and at times tender and vulnerable - his finest relationship is with his partner Frankie, played by ex member of Bob Dylan's backing band The Band, Robbie Robertson. All is going well until a very young Jodie Foster runs away with them and comes between the pair.

The story is peopled with many earthy and colourful carnival folk, many of whom feel like they could have had their own film and soon worm themselves into our affections. The whole cast soon give you characters of depth to care about, and the many tribulations they suffer make you pity their plight and anger you at seeing their community beset with trepidation, interrupting the normal flow of things.

Despite this, the film ends up being less than satisfying. At times the direction is pedestrian and flat. Given the subject matter some amazing visuals would be expected, but never materialise. The film is also very episodic and unfocused. All of which is a real shame as at times the dialogue has a real crackle and vitality to it and the actors are all more than capable.

That said, it is surprisingly satisfying and engaging, there are several standout set-pieces and moments of real jeopardy and nastiness. Flawed it is, a waste of time it isn't. Its tantalising as to what could have been, but enjoyable as it is.