Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Now and then, it can be a real pleasure to dip into the years and pull up an older movie for a night of "couch tatering." Not that this is such an "old" movie... but old enough that the differences between today's special effect dazzle and flash and 1969 are evident in pacing, dialogue, general style. Today's movies sometimes are lost in technical fireworks. This movie pleases with its simple quality of good actors who interact well with each other and stand on their own acting strength without too many fireworks.
And still, the director, James Goldstone, deserves kudos for his creativity and innovativeness throughout the movie. The opening scenes are original for 1969, beginning with a close-up of a buttery yellow dandelion, moving through clips of families and racing fans gathering together. Of note are clips at the Indianapolis race track - a scene of a misty morning at the track the day of the Indy 500, scenes of fans entering the park, race car drivers and mechanics in tense preparations, increasing adrenalin, burgeoning crowds. I have yet to attend the Indy 500, but seeing these scenes certainly made me hope that soon enough I might.
My fellow "couch taterer" and I had interesting conversations offering the male/female viewpoint on the scene of infidelity that centers the plot - the reasons behind the betrayal, if not excuses, the ramifications to all involved, including the son played by Richard Thomas, the responsibilities befalling all, the likelihood of a reuniting at movie's end.
In short, when a movie catches your imagination, makes you want to visit the place and event portrayed, and gives food for thought and discussion at its end, then this is a movie worth adding to a collection, whether one is a race fan or not.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Winning (1969)
