Reuben, Reuben
Reuben, Reuben

Movie spotlight

Reuben, Reuben

1983
Movie
101 min
English

A drunken Scottish poet who has not written a word in years feels compelled to regain control of his life and work after meeting a beautiful young woman.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users89%
Director: Robert Ellis MillerGenres: Comedy-Drama

Plot Summary

A penniless Scottish poet, Gowan McGland, who achieved fame decades earlier with a single volume of verse, finds himself in America on a lecture tour. As he struggles with writer's block and his dwindling finances, he forms an unlikely friendship with a young college student, Geneva Spofford. Their relationship navigates themes of art, life, aging, and the pursuit of authenticity.

Critical Reception

Reuben, Reuben was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Tom Conti's performance and the film's thoughtful exploration of its themes. While some found the narrative occasionally uneven, the consensus highlighted its intelligence and emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Tom Conti's tour-de-force performance as a charming but flawed poet.

  • Appreciated for its witty dialogue and poignant examination of aging and artistic integrity.

  • Some critics noted a predictable plot progression in the latter half.

Google audience: Audiences generally lauded the film for its sophisticated humor and the compelling performance by Tom Conti. Many found the story touching and thought-provoking, appreciating its unique blend of comedy and drama.

Awards & Accolades

Tom Conti received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his role.

Fun Fact

The character of Gowan McGland is loosely based on the life and work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

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