I am surprised that "Bright Victor" isn't a more famous film, as it's simply wonderful--well written, poignant and about the best thing Arthur Kennedy ever did. In many ways, it's a lot like "The Men" and "The Best Years of Our Lives", though instead of focusing on a group of men and their working through their lives post-war, this is the story of one guy and his struggle to find himself a place in life following a terrible battle injury.
When the film begins, three American soldiers* are attacked by German snipers. One is killed and another, Larry Nevins (Kennedy), is shot in the temple. He miraculously survived but awakens in a hospital...blinded by the bullet. It seems his optic nerves were destroyed and there's no chance of his regaining his vision. So it's up to Larry to work through rehab...learning to adapt to life as a blind man. Additionally, Larry learns that his blindness has a serious impact on the folks around him and he's no longer the man he once was...and in some ways, that's a blessing.
What I loved about this film is that a simple story idea is handled so well and brings in so many important considerations. First, that his being blind brings out the worst in some folks. Second, and very profound, is that Larry learns that he's not much of a guy as well. I loved the portion of the film where blinded Larry becomes best friends with a fellow blind soldier (James Edwards)...and when he later learns that the friend is black it destroys this relationship. But, even better, this causes Larry to question himself and encourages growth. While racism is only handled briefly in the film, it turns out to be perhaps the strongest message in this film that is anything but heavy-handed. Overall, an amazingly well made film that will grab your emotions and shake them for all they're worth...but in a good way!! Well worth seeing and one of the better movies of the era...so good, I considered giving it a 10. But, unlike some reviewers, I rarely give 10s and save it only for the most extraordinary pictures.
When the film begins, three American soldiers* are attacked by German snipers. One is killed and another, Larry Nevins (Kennedy), is shot in the temple. He miraculously survived but awakens in a hospital...blinded by the bullet. It seems his optic nerves were destroyed and there's no chance of his regaining his vision. So it's up to Larry to work through rehab...learning to adapt to life as a blind man. Additionally, Larry learns that his blindness has a serious impact on the folks around him and he's no longer the man he once was...and in some ways, that's a blessing.
What I loved about this film is that a simple story idea is handled so well and brings in so many important considerations. First, that his being blind brings out the worst in some folks. Second, and very profound, is that Larry learns that he's not much of a guy as well. I loved the portion of the film where blinded Larry becomes best friends with a fellow blind soldier (James Edwards)...and when he later learns that the friend is black it destroys this relationship. But, even better, this causes Larry to question himself and encourages growth. While racism is only handled briefly in the film, it turns out to be perhaps the strongest message in this film that is anything but heavy-handed. Overall, an amazingly well made film that will grab your emotions and shake them for all they're worth...but in a good way!! Well worth seeing and one of the better movies of the era...so good, I considered giving it a 10. But, unlike some reviewers, I rarely give 10s and save it only for the most extraordinary pictures.