Harry and Son

Harry and Son is a family drama vividly directed by Paul Newman in 1984. Besides directing, Paul Newman leads the cast as Harry Keach, a blue-collar worker who's known many hardships in his life. The significant characters, including Robby Benson as Howard, Ellen Barkin as Katie, and Preston Hanson as Flip, give life to their roles, leading to a captivating storyline.

The story revolves around the life of Harry Keach – a widowed father – and his relationship with his son, Howard. Harry, a constant part of the construction business, is the archetype of the old-school, hard-knuckle working-class man. He is a down-to-earth, straight-shooting person who believes in a fair day’s work. He follows a life path where logical reasoning and physicality rule over emotional outpourings or intellectual explorations, having little tolerance for anyone who doesn't adhere to these traditional values.

Howard, played brilliantly by Robby Benson, is quite the opposite of Harry. Howard is a dreamer, a young and ambitious lad who aspires to be a writer. He doesn't get much support for his dreams from his father, but this doesn't daunt him. Howard's character is the embodiment of an optimistic and resilient mind that continues chasing dreams despite countless setbacks. He is resourceful, dogged, and innovative, as characterized by his resourceful way of making a living through various small roles, dabbling in car repair, and more interestingly, in writing – a pursuit he is passionate about yet faces constant criticism for from his father.

Paul Newman and Robby Benson make for a great father-son duo, presenting a convincing portrayal of their characters' complex dynamics. The polarity of their characters creates tensions and conflicts, which the film explores wonderfully. Newman's strong portrayal of a hard-working father grappling with his son's dreams bears reminiscence of his own off-cam persona, and he delivers it with perfection. Benson's portrayal of a dreamer who fights against all odds to realize his dreams is captivating, making the viewer root for his character.

The supporting cast also does an exceptional job. Ellen Barkin plays Katie, Howard's romantic interest, who provides the emotional ground for his character. Benson and Barkin share a poignant relationship that allows the audience to peer into Howard's softer and more emotional side.

Throughout the movie, the complex and evolving relationship between Howard and Harry serves as an interesting backdrop enlivened by heartwarming moments, frustrating interactions, and confrontations. Their relationship is depicted realistically, reflecting the common generational gap and contrasting values found in many father-son relationships. Themes of growth, acceptance, coming of age, and facing adversities are intricately woven into the narrative to hold the viewer's attention till the end.

Set against a Florida backdrop, the movie effectively utilizes the beautiful beaches and the mesmerizing ocean's charm. The cinematography is praiseworthy, with every frame portraying a rich visual narrative that aligns with the story's mood and context.

Additionally, the movie does not shy away from addressing the bitter realities of life, including the struggles of unemployment, financial instability, and other hardships. It depicts how these struggles can impact relationships within the family, especially between a father and son with contrasting personalities.

Harry and Son weave a compelling story about the timeless struggle between dreams and practicality, traditional values and new-age aspirations, seen through a charismatic father-son relationship. While doing so, it shines a thoughtful light on human perseverance and the importance of understanding, accepting, and respecting individual differences.

On the whole, the movie boasts an engrossing storyline and commendable performances from the entire cast, with some emotionally charged scenes sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Paul Newman’s remarkable storytelling is evident throughout the presentation, offering a sensitive, down-to-earth piece of cinema relevant to a wide range of viewers.

In conclusion, Harry and Son is a heartfelt exploration of familial bonds and personal dreams. It might not be packed with action, but its human element, paired with several strong performances, makes it a movie well worth a watch for anyone interested in character-driven dramas.