I agree: it's a deceptively huge mess of a production, but its structure is as strong and intelligent as the novel it's based on; everything, no matter how it seems, is deliberate and has its reason. It is also funny, oh, so funny, and yet, oh so harsh and unforgiving. It used to come on broadcast tv, interrupted by commercials, and probably cut to ribbons. I used to catch bits and pieces of it growing up when it came on this way. Favorite bits for me were the famous eating scene in the tavern, and any time Joan Greenwood's Lady Bellaston, with her marvelous basso-profundo purr of a voice was around. I also loved Hugh Griffith's Squire Western, and was gratified to find him almost exactly as Fielding had written him when I finally read the novel - it was as if Fielding had peered across the centuries, spied Griffith, and decided: That's my Squire!
Some great movies were made in the 60s Tom Jones, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music. I was lucky to see them all with my high school sweetheart!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Almost forgot, From Russia with Love!
I loved that movie to bits. Prompted me - a teen back then - to read the book, after which I wrote j'illion little stories in the style of Henry Fielding. In other words, Tom Jones was a bad influence on me, lol!
I'm sorry, but I heartily disagree with the assessment that "Tom Jones" was the worst Best Picture winner. Not only do I NOT believe this view, I also disagree with this belief that "Saving Private Ryan" should have won the 1998 Best Picture Oscar. Along with the first 20 minutes of the film and some flashes of brilliance, I thought "SPR" was very overrated and it featured some writing blunders.
I've always loved this movie. I think one reason why many people don't like it now is because Tony Richardson, for reasons I don't understand, had second thoughts about the movie, and released the Director's Cut. He removed several minutes to tighten it up, but that also removed the punchline from many of the jokes. And for some reason, the musical soundtrack now sounds like it was recorded in an echo chamber. Fortunately, the Criterion collection has both versions on the disc. No comparison! Turner Classic Movies, my favorite channel, never shows the original, although I have requested it several times. Hope they do show it someday.
I love nearly all of Tony Richardson's movies, and this is no exception. I didn't know it was so disliked--but I loved this commentary. A nice complimentary movie is the lesser known adaptation of another Henry Fielding novel, Joseph Andrews, Richardson directed in the late 70s. No, it's not as good, but has a lot to recommend it. Richardson used a lot of the same techniques--like scenes speeded up for comedy--for his own adaptation of John Irving's The New Hampshire Hotel, as well--a film that, like its novel, is all over the place (incest! pathos! suicidal radicals!) but works for me.
Hardly one of the worst winners but one of the most forgotten especially in between two blockbuster winners before and two more later. Was considered very adult in its day and since it was a notoriously weak year for movies, (just look at the other nominees) its win doesn't seem so surprising.
Seriously disagree. "Crash" (Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, not Cronenberg's) "Driving Miss Daisy", "Green Book"- sensing a car theme here- ALL could take that title over "Tom Jones" easily. But beyond that, this is the clip to show your girlfriend if she ever asks you to peel an orange for her.
Best Worst Picture???? It's a great movie. This voiceover reviewer hasn't the slightest idea about really wonderful movie making, probably because she's under 40 and was raised on a lot of crappy films. Geez!!
This is among the BEST Best Picture winners. A great piece of cinema and also a terrific adaptation of Fielding’s novel.
One of the best Best Pictures , I believe.
I agree: it's a deceptively huge mess of a production, but its structure is as strong and intelligent as the novel it's based on; everything, no matter how it seems, is deliberate and has its reason. It is also funny, oh, so funny, and yet, oh so harsh and unforgiving. It used to come on broadcast tv, interrupted by commercials, and probably cut to ribbons. I used to catch bits and pieces of it growing up when it came on this way. Favorite bits for me were the famous eating scene in the tavern, and any time Joan Greenwood's Lady Bellaston, with her marvelous basso-profundo purr of a voice was around. I also loved Hugh Griffith's Squire Western, and was gratified to find him almost exactly as Fielding had written him when I finally read the novel - it was as if Fielding had peered across the centuries, spied Griffith, and decided: That's my Squire!
The last movie seen by John Kennedy. He loved it.
Some great movies were made in the 60s Tom Jones, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music. I was lucky to see them all with my high school sweetheart!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Almost forgot, From Russia with Love!
I loved that movie to bits. Prompted me - a teen back then - to read the book, after which I wrote j'illion little stories in the style of Henry Fielding. In other words, Tom Jones was a bad influence on me, lol!
I'm sorry, but I heartily disagree with the assessment that "Tom Jones" was the worst Best Picture winner. Not only do I NOT believe this view, I also disagree with this belief that "Saving Private Ryan" should have won the 1998 Best Picture Oscar. Along with the first 20 minutes of the film and some flashes of brilliance, I thought "SPR" was very overrated and it featured some writing blunders.
Brilliantly written, love the description of the hunt
I've always loved this movie. I think one reason why many people don't like it now is because Tony Richardson, for reasons I don't understand, had second thoughts about the movie, and released the Director's Cut. He removed several minutes to tighten it up, but that also removed the punchline from many of the jokes. And for some reason, the musical soundtrack now sounds like it was recorded in an echo chamber. Fortunately, the Criterion collection has both versions on the disc. No comparison! Turner Classic Movies, my favorite channel, never shows the original, although I have requested it several times. Hope they do show it someday.
I love this movie!
Fantastically made picture.... superb soundtrack!!
Tom Jones was fabulous!
One of my favorites!
You are insightful. That is one of my best compliments.
U made me more likely to c it for free at the river forest Illinois public library tomorrow, thx
amazing! have fun
well I just fell in love with you. Fantastic job. It's so refreshing to hear someone intelligent and empathetic talk about movies.
I love nearly all of Tony Richardson's movies, and this is no exception. I didn't know it was so disliked--but I loved this commentary. A nice complimentary movie is the lesser known adaptation of another Henry Fielding novel, Joseph Andrews, Richardson directed in the late 70s. No, it's not as good, but has a lot to recommend it. Richardson used a lot of the same techniques--like scenes speeded up for comedy--for his own adaptation of John Irving's The New Hampshire Hotel, as well--a film that, like its novel, is all over the place (incest! pathos! suicidal radicals!) but works for me.
I'll have to check it out! Thanks
I love this analysis. Can you do more?
Thank you! I'm working on a new one now :)
Incisive commentary and terrific visuals. Enlightening. That couldn't have been easy to put together. Many thanks.
Thank you!
Maravillosa película, dura, realista, suave y con Albert Finney¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
Even the guy who wrote Crash thinks it was Crash.
Strange comment, the film was fabulous... no doubt
Read the book - it's better than any film.
Not even close to being the worst. That would be Shape Of Water.
No, the BEST picture winner. The best comedy ever made.
Kubrick wanted to make Tom Jones but Richardson beat him to it. So he settled on Barry Lyndon
You wouldn’t understand Dear…..
Don’t bother to comment!
Hardly one of the worst winners but one of the most forgotten especially in between two blockbuster winners before and two more later. Was considered very adult in its day and since it was a notoriously weak year for movies, (just look at the other nominees) its win doesn't seem so surprising.
Kubrick wanted to make a Tom but He was beat to it. So he made Barry Lyndon instead
Seriously disagree. "Crash" (Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, not Cronenberg's) "Driving Miss Daisy", "Green Book"- sensing a car theme here- ALL could take that title over "Tom Jones" easily. But beyond that, this is the clip to show your girlfriend if she ever asks you to peel an orange for her.
I enjoyed Tom Jones.
I think Slumdog Millionaire is probably the worst Best Picture winner I've seen.
It was shocking.
Tom Jones certainly isn't the worst Best Picture. Broadway Melody, Gigi, and the Deer Hunter would rank at the bottom for me.
Best Worst Picture???? It's a great movie. This voiceover reviewer hasn't the slightest idea about really wonderful movie making, probably because she's under 40 and was raised on a lot of crappy films. Geez!!
did you watch the video? i say literally nothing but good things about the movie. it’s one of my favorites
Didn’t like it at all and I’m a big fan of Albert Finney. I love that even the cast and crew didn’t like the movie
I'm surprised they remember, they were drunk most of the time.