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nitratestock35 2012-05-24 19:14:25

the story of many a musician

...and for that matter any human being.Clint Eastwood's little masterpiece is filled with insights of humannature and our dreams and how futile but nonetheless honorablethey are in most cases.Watch out for many keys to understand low(er) class white Americansand how music is one of the very best ways to bring them togetherwith, or at least closer to, African Americans. Without gospel, bluesand jazz - three styles developed by black people in the US duringthe early 20th century - there would (arguably) be no country music andofcourse no pop music (as it is today).I am a musician and this little masterpiece certainly means a lot tome and my colleagues all over the world. This movie definitely is a metaphor of life and Clint Eastwood uses hissecond passion after cinema, music, as thebase but it contains so much more deep philosophy and homagethat I do not hesitate calling it a small masterpiece.IMHO Honkytonk Man is for Clint Eastwood what Little Man Tate(1991) is for Jodie Foster - only better, much better. Just thinkabout the fact that Clint went back (explained in a monologue) forhis skinny girl. After all he did love her. It takes cojones to make a movie like that. Great work Mr.Eastwood.

Paul Emmons 2012-05-24 04:57:30

Verismo!

The critics didn't like this film, but I beg to differ. Perhaps I'mnaive and gullible, but to me it rings true in its local color and thecoping of poor people in the Depression amidst the aspirations of youngand old alike.My father, a published author in a small way, once mused to me that ifhe were to write a novel, it would be about someone trying to come toterms with his own mediocrity. Such is the theme of this movie, andhardly typical a consideration it is in a time when the media bombardus coast to coast, for our adulation, with the glamorous images of amere handful of individuals who happen to have landed vast fame andfortune. What does any of this have to do with most of us? On the onehand, we live day to day. On the other, a recurring dream whispers"maybe..."Knowing that he is living on borrowed time, Red, humble andhand-to-mouth but respected more than he knows by a few somewhat moresuccessful colleagues (and an unusually fallible and vulnerablecharacter for Eastwood, which he plays well) is granted, in extremis,an apparent opportunity to reach for the stars. More down-to-earth, heis also fortuitously blessed/burdened with not just one but two youngproteges: first his nephew, then also a girl at loose ends. Perhapsneither is particularly talented; nevertheless both have a claim on hisattention which he reluctantly fulfills in his own unassuming way,while making no exalted pretenses as to their prospects. When on hisdeathbed he can do no more for them, he commends them to each other."You take care of her, now" he rasps to Whit. "She's okay. Help herwith her singing." While they may never reach celebrity, the texture oflife can sustain them if they face it together.As, dying and perhaps delirious, he gazes up into Marlene's face, hesees the "raw-boned Okie woman" he had loved for several years as amistress, and whom he later had regretted leaving. She had borne a girlwhom he had never met. Marlene was a fatherless waif of about the rightage. Did he recognize at the last moment his long-lost daughter? It isa question which the film leaves hanging in the air. Does genealogymatter? In practical terms, that is what she became almost too late.For my money, it's a raw-boned, American Okie "La Boheme."

Variety Staff 2012-05-23 05:30:37

Eastwood took great pains in telling this story of an aging, struggling country singer...

2012-05-22 15:25:59

Eastwood tries to sing country

In the early 1980's, Clint Eastwood tried a number of different characters. He had his ups and downs, and HONKEYTONK MAN is definately a down. Based on a novel, the movie takes place in the 1930's with Eastwood playing Red Stoval, an aging country singer trying to make it in the bars. He sest out on a trip to Memphis, hoping to make it big. His real-life son Kyle plays his nephew, who tags along to keep him out of trouble.I give him credit for trying, but Eastwood CANNOT sing. He actually did a better job trying in PAINT YOUR WAGON then here. The movie is rather slow, with the occasional sleazy comment or action to hold your interest, which doesn't last long. One funny moment is when Red tells off a cop who is frisking him. Another is when he holds up a friend with a shotgun, (yes, he does carry a gun in this one briefly). By far the funniest part is where he takes his nephew to a brothel to help him lose his virginity! Still, the movie is depressing with Red suffering from TB throughout the whole film, and to see him waste away while singing doesn't make things any better. The cars are also not in date with the film. Wanting to be somebody is a good motive for still going on with the show, but he takes it too far, and any Eastwood fan would be rattled by the ending. HONKEYTONK MAN was a commercial disappointment, and I would sadly rank it as one of Eastwood's worst films.

2012-05-22 18:14:30

honky tonk man

I am an avid Clint Eastwood collector, in fact I am just plain in love with the guy. I have about 33 of his films including ones he does not star in. Mr Eastwood is a phenomenal contribution to many generations of people around the world.

gridoon 2012-05-22 09:55:13

Uneven effort from Clint.

"Honkytonk Man" is one of Clint Eastwood's most offbeat and atypical films;unfortunately, for the first hour, it is also one of his dullest. The storyjust doesn't seem to move forward or to lead anywhere. But then some briefamusing moments start redeeming it somewhat, and in the last 30 minutes itturns into a full-blooded (but never aggressive) weepie and getsconsiderably better. Eastwood de-emphasizes his usual facial expressions andone-liners here, and he isn't much fun to watch, but in the end he handleshis difficult dramatic moments (like the scene where he tries to keepsinging even though his disease has clearly worn him out) surprisingly well.As a whole, this personal effort from Eastwood is uneven, often tiresome butfitfully very interesting.

2012-05-21 10:30:11

I'm a Honkytonk man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ole Clint certainly has made better movies, but you want be disappointed if you like music. Him being a great actor doesn't hurt either!!!! Also his real life son plays in it also.

jamesbond 2012-05-20 23:36:08

A true gem

This film is one of Eastwood´s most compelling and strikes you right at theheart. It tells us a story with such a warmth and compassion about a themeas old as America itself. It is about a man and his love for his nephew, hismusic and his his desire to make a name for himself before his TB´ll end itall. Though Clint´s voice isn´t the best it does however strengthen ourunderstanding of the motivation of a man that is running against time in asetting that is both harsh and unforgiving. The movie´s depiction of thedepression is outstanding and the songs are stupendous. Watch for MartyRobbins who also sings half the theme song. All in all an outstanding movie that will stay in your heart for a long, long time...

Rob Gonsalves 2012-05-19 10:08:25

One of the unnoticed treasures of the '80s.

steve-214 2012-05-18 18:40:09

Honkytonk Man Has A Few Moments But Not Enough Of Them!

Clint Eastwood plays Red Stovall, a country music singer trying to get toNashville before he dies of Tuberculosis. Kyle Eastwood co-stars and doespretty well, but Honkytonk man fails on many levels.Kyle Eastwood'scharacter Whit see a movie poster advertising a film made in 1934 butEastwood drives a classic 1937 Lincoln throughout the entire film. A 1939Chevy can also been seen in the one scene of a jail break. There are somebrief cameos of country music legends including Marty Robbins who diedbefore the picture was released. Guitar,Singer Songwriter Merle Travis isseen as one of the Texas Playboys.

2012-05-17 04:17:12

Critics seldom know what people really enjoy

This wouldn't be the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed a movie that critics labeled as too-something-or-other. This is a great movie and apart from the usual Eastwood fare except for the 'gut-and-grit' exhibited by the lead character, Red Stovall, to accomplish his dream despite tuberculosis. As for down-grading Eastwood's singing ability, there are a number of country greats who lack melodic tone and volume but make up for it with style. (Truly unfortunate that critics can do the same!)Buy and enjoy this movie; you won't be sorry.

2012-05-16 15:47:07

A forgotten gem

One of Clint Eastwood's biggest flops and least-known films, Honky Tonk Man is one of his best 'small' films, casting the star as a country and Western singer dying of consumption while on his way to grab a last chance of fame by cutting a record in Nashville with his estranged son (Kyle Eastwood) tagging along. A character-driven low-key road movie with a well-realised Depression era setting, it veers from the redneck comedy of his orangutan outings to the darker undercurrents of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, with the characters gradually working their way into your affections to make the underplayed ending genuinely touching.

2012-05-13 22:46:29

Clint went too far...

Let me say, right off the bat...Clint Eastwood is one of my top 3 favorite actors (Pacino and DeNiro are the other 2). You just can't beat the Dirty Harry movies! After a few successful Dirty Harry films, Clint decided to try comedy country music-tinged movies in the form of "Every Which Way But Loose" and "Any Which Way You Can"--and struck gold. I also enjoy those two movies for what they are. But then I guess he figured he could do no wrong--lol--and thought, "Well, I'd like to make a film about a country singer, and I CAN BE THE SINGER!" OK, that's crossing the line...Clint's singing voice sounds too much like his speaking voice--too whispery. His singing just plain doesn't cut it, sorry. He looks the part--looks a lot like pictures of the legendary Hank Williams--but he's not much of a singer. I know he's a musician, and I think it might be that he actually plays his piano parts in the movie (not sure, but some of his "piano acting" looked pretty real), kind of doubt he did his own guitar playing. But anyway, I know he is quite the music buff, and the songs in the movie are pretty good...not great, but good.Some non-musical aspects of the movie are lacking, too. I thought the stowaway girl was a fairly expendable character--she was mildly funny, but I don't think her character added much to the plot. The movie was just weak, overall. Kind of funny in some parts, but overall corny and cheesy. The cop scenes were dumb, too.So I can just hear the suits at Warner Bros. chewing Clint out after making this movie..."OK, Clint, you're mojo is wearing off on these folksy comedies...it's time for another Dirty Harry, movie...OK??"--haha. And lo and behold, one year later...Sudden Impact! With the all-time greatest movie catchphrase..."Go ahead, make my day!" Now THAT'S Clint Eastwood in top form! :-)So I consider Honky Tonk Man one of Clint's career low points. There are much better movies like this one from that time period...Urban Cowboy, The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia, and Honeysuckle Rose come to mind. I recommend those way over Honky Tonk Man.

2012-05-13 09:50:23

Another underrated Eastwood film....

Clint Eastwood has tons of films that usually are dismissed by critics and forgotten about, but his longtime fans see them and adore them. Some examples are A Perfect World, Bronco Billy, and this film. This is a really subtle film that starts out (deceptively) as light comedy, then takes a serious turn in the middle and has a sad ending. It's similar to Million Dollar Baby in that way (even though MDB is better), and the plot is similar (flawed people who have made past mistakes looking for that shot at redemption). Clint, as actor and director, really captures the atmosphere of the depression days, the desperation, the sadness, and the fear that everyone had to live with. His character is one of the most real he's played, a far cry from the "Clint Eastwood persona". Kyle Eastwood, Clint's son, is very good here. He never acted after this, but he's good. He's a very well renowned jazz musician these days. Overall, this is one of Clint's most underrated and sad films, one that should be better known.

Eric Henderson 2012-05-13 02:05:50

Clint Eastwood's dust bowl drama Honkytonk Man is a sensitive road picture about a mostly luckless aspiring country music singer.

2012-05-12 14:26:31

Honkytonk man

This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) Good story line. Holds your attention. Kyle Eastwood did a very good job on this film.

edwagreen 2012-05-11 16:55:12

Honkytonk Man-Clint Goes Country Western ***

Country singer Clint Eastwood and his real life son, who portrays hisnephew, go from Oklahoma and the dust bowl to Tennessee so that Clintcan sing up a storm at the Grand Ole Opera.Anyone see the resemblance in this film with "Midnight Cowboy?" Bothmajor characters are trying to get somewhere to fulfill a dream whiledying of tuberculosis.The two guys are caught in this coming of age film for the nephew. Thenephew part should have been made older since in certain scenes the boylooks just that- a young lad.The adventures they are caught in speak for the times they live in.Clint is teaching his nephew how to be a hustler and the boy is a quicklearner.As time ran out for Ratso in "Midnight Cowboy," the end approaches forClint just as he records some music. The boy and his new found ladylove head off to the sunset, that is, California, the place where theboy's family has moved to. Will he join them? After all, after hisadventures, he is no longer a boy now.

2012-05-11 12:20:18

-------Colorful characters and a thoughtful story-------

Honkytonk Man is an entertaining and well-done film directed by and staring Clint Eastwood. The story takes place during the Great Depression and is about Red Stovall (Clint), a country singer who has a chance to make it on the Grand Ole Opry. Red knows it's probably his last chance for fame. He's an alcoholic and also very sick with tuberculosis. On his way to Nashville, he stops by to visit his sister in Oklahoma. She persuades Red to take along his teenage nephew Whit (Kyle Eastwood) to drive for him. She suspects that Whit will also have to take care of his uncle before very long.I don't know if Kyle Eastwood appeared in any other films, but I was impressed by how well he did. He was charming and very natural in the role of admiring nephew. In fact, the supporting cast couldn't have been better.There are some negative comments from other reviewers about Clint's singing. I felt his style matched the character he was portraying in the film. He had a quiet singing voice that was between talking and singing. I found his voice to be pleasant. He's an actor and not a professional singer. I've heard many actors used that same vocal technique when required to sing. This was not a glamorous or glitzy type of film. It was the story of people who seemed real and lived during the Depression when life was tough and all you had were your dreams.

Strider_1978 2012-05-08 16:23:08

Truly an under rated gem.

I think I know what I'm doing wrong these days with films. With certainexceptions, I'm looking for a good time at the movies when many of thefilms that are produced lack so much of the quality that can be seen inthe films that do not gain as much of a reputation. I would havenormally over looked this film. The only reason I viewed it was becauseit is part of a movie trilogy with Clint and Clyde. Honky Tonk is avery honest portrayal of the life of a stricken county singer and hisfamily.It is well shot, well scripted and well acted. It's not attempting toentertain it's audience with anything flashy because really it doesn'tneed to. Sometimes a film must be viewed for it's story and how well itis made, and not for the fireworks that many of todays films feel theneed to incorporate because of audience attention span. Another one ofmy all time favourites, No Country for Old Men managed to do somethingsimilar, in that it gave you the 'feel' of a part of a hard world wherethe characters felt and seemed real. It didn't need to try to be flashwith anything because we were so involved with the characters and thephotography that we didn't care about the fancy trimmings.As far as character driven, well made films go this is is definitelysomething to watch. It is sometimes hard hitting, and won't win anypopularity contests save with those of a discerning, approving eye forgood pictures.Recommended.

2012-05-08 03:12:58

Great movie about a time gone by

This movie captures the spirit of the people during the Great Depression. Clint Eastwood portrays a country-western singer who's racing against time to have his ballad recorded. Kyle Eastwood (Clint's nephew) plays Hoss a young boy who sees no future in his present life so he anxious embarks on a road trip to get his Uncle Red to Nashville. It's a very atmospheric piece that contains just the right amount of comic relief. It never gets too cheesy or sappy and one actually begins to relate to all of the characters.This film includes cameo appearances by Bob Wills and Eddy Arnold. Highly recommended