They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants, released in 1971, is a truly remarkable film that is definitely worth a watch for anyone who appreciates a richly original and outstandingly executed story. Directed by Anthony Harvey and powered by the energetic performances from the acclaimed George C. Scott and Joanne Woodward, this film brilliantly merges the elements of mystery, romance, and comedy into a surrealist narrative that explores the thin line separating madness from genius, and reality from imagination.

In this film, George C. Scott plays the charismatic character of Justin Playfair, a former judge whose life takes a dramatic turn after he loses his wife and, allegedly, his mind. Scott wonderfully portrays the character's eccentricity without sacrificing any depth of feeling or human connection, creating an engaging emotional journey for viewers. Retreating into the world of his eccentric imagination, Playfair believes himself to be Sherlock Holmes, the legendary detective crafted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

As the film unravels, Playfair/Holmes obsesses about finding his classic nemesis, Professor Moriarty whom he believes is responsible for all the ills and adversities affecting his city. Scott embodies Playfair's simultaneously intense and meticulously observant nature with remarkable finesse, offering an engaging portrayal of an individual on the brink of both lunacy and genius.

Joanne Woodward plays the role of Dr. Mildred Watson, a psychiatrist assigned the seemingly daunting task of treating Justin Playfair, ensuring his mental health, and trying to save him from being committed to an asylum. Watson, initially skeptic of Playfair's self-proclaimed hero status, gradually gets charmed by his quirkiness, intelligence and sincere compassion for humanity, and the viewers get to witness their profound relationship evolve through the course of the film. Woodward delivers a stellar performance by adding nuance and depth to her character - a woman who is clearly accomplished in her field, yet secretly yearns for something extraordinary in her mundane life.

Desperate to protect her unpredictable patient, Dr. Watson gets entangled in Playfair's delusions, journeying with him through the labyrinthine alleys of New York City where they encounter a delightful ensemble of quirky characters, played by a competent supporting cast that includes Jack Gilford, and Ruth Ford among others.

From here, They Might Be Giants unfolds as a beautifully crafted exploration of life, sanity, and the allure of imagination. The film is cleverly poignant and profoundly humorous at the same time, drawing viewers into its one-of-a-kind narrative and exploring the dichotomies between reason and faith, reality and illusion, in a deeply satisfying and philosophical way.

The theme of the film is brilliantly encapsulated in its title. “They Might Be Giants” is a reference to the legend of Don Quixote, who believed that windmills were actually ferocious giants. As he set out to fight them, he didn't realize that he was mistaking the ordinary for the extraordinary. This film, then, asks its viewers: What if we are all bound by a shared delusion of what's ordinary and what's not? What if we are keeping ourselves from experiencing the extraordinary by strictly adhering to a societal definition of sanity?

Visually stimulating and bolstered by stellar performances, They Might Be Giants challenges the viewer's perception of reality, offering an introspective engagement with delusional heroism, and romantic surrealism. Excellently shot in the heart of Manhattan, the film’s cityscape serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the faceless “giant” Playfair is chasing, further enhancing the quirky, unsettling atmosphere.

The storytelling is amplified with a soothing score by John Barry which complements its poignant moments and accentuates the comedic portions – amalgamating seamlessly into the narrative, thus making it pleasing to audiences from both aesthetic and auditory perspectives.

They Might Be Giants is a daringly creative film from an era undeniably rich in cinematic gems. It's an engaging tale that hovers between bitterly controlled reality and whimsical delusion, between somber certainty and wild possibilities. The film ingeniously invites an exploration of the deeply subjective nature of sanity while merging comedy, romance, and mystery brilliantly. With its lasting impact, it ensures you remember it long after its credits roll.