‘Lucky’ movie review

If there was ever a movie that represented an actor’s eulogy, it is ‘Lucky.’  Harry Dean Stanton plays the leading role and is considered one of the most prolific character actors ever.  This is a slow-paced film that eventually sneaks up on you with a payoff.  In a career that spanned more than six decades, he appeared in such classics as ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ ‘The Godfather Part II,’ ‘Alien’ and ‘Pretty in Pink,’ His breakthrough starring role came along in Wim Wenders’ 1984 film ‘Paris, Texas.’ Stanton died last month at the age of 91.  ‘Lucky’ is about mortality and loneliness but more importantly, it is a final hurrah for an actor contemplating his amazing life and career.

Lucky follows a routine each day.  He gets up, does yoga and drinks a glass of milk.  There is always a cigarette dangling from his mouth.  He goes to the local diner and has a cup of coffee while doing a crossword puzzle.  He stops by a bodega and buys another pack of smokes.  He eventually ends up at a local dive bar, orders a Bloody Mary and engages in small talk with the regulars.  Some of the barflies include his pal Howard (David Lynch) who complains to him about losing his pet tortoise named President Roosevelt.  He also listens to the tough-talking bar owner Elaine (Beth Grant) and her boyfriend Paulie (James Darren).  Paulie tells him, “Friendship is essential to the soul.”  Lucky replies, “It doesn’t exist.”  Paul asks, “Friendship?”  Lucky shouts back, “The soul!”

One of the most moving scenes deals with an encounter with a World War II veteran (Tom Skerritt) in the local diner.  Lucky served in the Navy, never married nor had children.  The man talks about the Marines and discusses horrible memories that he is unable to shake.  It is a brief scene but it shows how generous Stanton is to allow another actor to share the spotlight.  One morning, Lucky stares at a digital clock and passes out.  He visits his doctor (Ed Begley Jr.) who cannot find anything wrong with him.  It’s a significant moment that reminds him that he must come to terms with his mortality.  It wakes up something deep inside of him.  Slivers of wisdom start to come out.  Lucky tells someone, “There’s a difference between being lonely and being alone.”

There are several odd but priceless moments in the film.  When Lucky seeks an answer to a crossword puzzle, it turns into another opportunity to ponder his existence.  He looks up the word “realism” in the dictionary which is “the act of seeing something for what it is, and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.”  Stanton’s nuance performance is something to cherish.  He gradually transforms from a cranky old geezer to a more vulnerable individual that is genuinely scared of what comes next.  It’s an existential journey for the man.  ‘Lucky’ pays homage to a talented actor confronting the end of his life and career.  Stanton delivers a fitting sendoff to his fans. You will want to keep this indie film on your radar.

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