The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

G

Released Jul 31, 1968

2h 4m

Drama

List

100%

9 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this adaptation of the Carson McCullers novel, John Singer (Alan Arkin), who is deaf and mute, tries to help the people around him. He rents a bedroom in a small Southern town to be closer to his friend, Spiros (Chuck McCann), who is also deaf. John attempts to strike up a friendship with Mick (Sondra Locke), the teenage daughter of his disabled landlord (Biff McGuire), and meets the town drunk (Stacy Keach Jr.). Later, he helps Dr. Copeland confront his failing health.

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CodyZamboni

Wow, this movie was not what I expected. A hearfelt, down to earth tale of people facing adversity in life, and doing their best to cope and overcome them. And that sometimes things dont have a happy Hollywood ending, but they still try to live their lives with dignity and respect for others, And how Alan Arkin's character helps, in various ways, the people he meets, and how he makes a lasting impression in their lives, Movie, pushes all the right emotional buttons. The themes of hopes and dreams trying to overcome mental illness, physical handicaps, racism, poverty, unexpected illness, alcoholism, and injustice, are all handled with proper understatement. One of Alan Arkin's best roles, matched by strong cast, especially Sondra Locke in her best role. Effective cinematography by James Wong Howe,

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

Full Review

Mark A

Moving and sentimental. Alan Arkin is superb.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Alan Arkin's performance in this movie is simple, low-key, yet intriguing and powerful to watch. I like the movie. It is worth repeated viewings. I need to read the book as well when I have the opportunity.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

dave s

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, based on Carson McCullers' novel, tells the story of John Singer, a deaf-mute living in the south of America, who finds meaning in his isolated life by providing help to those in his narrow social circle. While simple in plot, it is a complex study of alienation – alienation, depending on the character, that stems from physical disability, mental disability, race, economic status, addiction, or illness. The performances are all understated but impactful, especially those of Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke. While the story is ultimately tragic, it is simultaneously uplifting and inspirational and is a movie that has sadly been overlooked over the years.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Heart-wrenching story of a mute man in the South who died great things for people and is left alone with one friend. a young teenage girl.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/21

Full Review

steve d

The film is elevated by some strong performances.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Robert Ellis Miller

Director

Alan Arkin

John Singer

Sondra Locke

Mick

Stacy Keach

Blount

Laurinda Barrett

Mrs. Kelly

Chuck McCann

Spiros Antonapoulos

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Tom Milne

Sight & Sound

Not that Robert Ellis Miller is a John Huston, but his bald statement of the facts from The Heart is a Lonely Hunter does bludgeon its way to a quiet, touching outcry against the terrors of loneliness.

Apr 1, 2020

Full Review

Renata Adler

New York Times

Alan Arkin, as Singer, is extraordinary, deep and sound.

May 9, 2005

Full Review

Penelope Houston

The Spectator

Robert Ellis Miller directs it thought-fully and non-bruisingly.

Jul 11, 2018

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Touching drama.

Rated: B

Apr 3, 2015

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Alan Arkin is amazing.

Rated: 4/5

May 23, 2008

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Alan Arkin gives a distinguished, Oscar-nominated performance as a deaf-mute man in Robert Ellis Miller's adaptation of Carson McCullers' acclaimed novel

Rated: B

Feb 2, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of the Carson McCullers novel, John Singer (Alan Arkin), who is deaf and mute, tries to help the people around him. He rents a bedroom in a small Southern town to be closer to his friend, Spiros (Chuck McCann), who is also deaf. John attempts to strike up a friendship with Mick (Sondra Locke), the teenage daughter of his disabled landlord (Biff McGuire), and meets the town drunk (Stacy Keach Jr.). Later, he helps Dr. Copeland confront his failing health.

Director: Robert Ellis Miller
Producer: Joel Freeman
Screenwriter: Thomas C. Ryan
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 1968, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 2h 4m

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