Publisher: CinemaSerf January 4, 2024
Cliff Robertson is at the top of his game as the eponymous character who has learning difficulties. He has been attending night classes under "Dr. Kilman" (Claire Bloom) for almost two years, determined to improve his reading and writing, and it is she who thinks it might be possible to get him onto a scientifically-backed course that could ultimately result in profoundly correctional surgery. He has to struggle and work hard - often trying to outfox a genetically altered mouse - to convince "Dr. Straus" (Lilia Skala) and "Dr. Nemur" (Leon Janney) that he is suitable - and that's whilst, meantime, holding down a job at a bakery where his colleagues are not averse to rather cruel and thoughtless practical jokes. Eventually, he prevails but is what emerges from the surgery really sustainable? This is one of those stories where the underlying morals seeking conformity and acceptance are merged with the promise of largely unfettered scientific advances that pay scant regard to any broader or future ramifications of their progress. It's a bit of a slow start, but an effective chemistry gradually develops between "Charly" and his doctor as the ethics start to kick in and we all begin to wonder if (or not) this engaging character is on the right path. It's quite thought provoking at times and the dialogue and direction provide a film that offers us choices - it's not just black and white judgement or analysis. Not always an easy film to watch, but worth it, I'd say.