In my opinion, "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" is Paul Newman's greatest artistic achievement. He deserves a place in the gallery of great US actors, but nowhere in his body of work does he show the depth of understanding of human nature, film-making, editing, directing, and art itself, as he does here.
Joanne Woodward turns in perhaps the greatest performance of her career, and she was an actress of the highest order, but the real show-stealer, is Nell Potts, with a remarkably quiet and observant presence which reflects her intelligence, love of life and nature, and insight into both science and the human estate. All those attributes make her immensely valuable to society.
Dialogue is very direct, contrasting with the wigs Woodward keeps putting on, apparently in search for new personalities to lift her above her inebriated states, and poor communication with her daughters, among other persons.
This film contains also the most honest take I have ever seen in the movies of what it is to receive an elderly stranger in the family. Mrs McKay, who does not utter a word, is like a bird in a cage, the cage of of old age, with Woodward welcoming the money that she brings but not her presence, while the old lady's relatives seem eager to relieve themselves of her burden not a minute too soon.
Again, the young girl played by Potts quietly stands out as the only one who sees Mrs McKay as a human being and feels any real compassion.
"The Effect..." is a lesson to be learned with many viewings. There is real wisdom in this film.
Joanne Woodward turns in perhaps the greatest performance of her career, and she was an actress of the highest order, but the real show-stealer, is Nell Potts, with a remarkably quiet and observant presence which reflects her intelligence, love of life and nature, and insight into both science and the human estate. All those attributes make her immensely valuable to society.
Dialogue is very direct, contrasting with the wigs Woodward keeps putting on, apparently in search for new personalities to lift her above her inebriated states, and poor communication with her daughters, among other persons.
This film contains also the most honest take I have ever seen in the movies of what it is to receive an elderly stranger in the family. Mrs McKay, who does not utter a word, is like a bird in a cage, the cage of of old age, with Woodward welcoming the money that she brings but not her presence, while the old lady's relatives seem eager to relieve themselves of her burden not a minute too soon.
Again, the young girl played by Potts quietly stands out as the only one who sees Mrs McKay as a human being and feels any real compassion.
"The Effect..." is a lesson to be learned with many viewings. There is real wisdom in this film.