What was the point of Pete 'n' Tillie? Is it just a slice of life about two people who don't like each other and shouldn't get together, and then terrible things happen? I thought surely the audience would endure the lousy story to see some fantastic acting, or a poignant message, or a feeling of security in the romance that was meant to be. Instead, I merely wasted ninety minutes.
I don't happen to find Walter Matthau's classic shtick charming, or even amusing. If I'd been set up on a blind date with him, I probably wouldn't have made it to the entrée before getting an emergency phone call. Carol Burnett, on the other hand, not only agrees to go out with him again but develops a serious relationship with him. What is wrong with her? He's completely irritating, makes inappropriate jokes, never takes anything she says seriously, and doesn't even care about being monogamous. He goes weeks without calling her for another date, then shows up at her apartment assuming the right to take her to bed. Is her self esteem that low that she feels being with Walter is better than being alone? If this movie were a cautionary tale about how women settle for partners who only serve to tear them down, I would have appreciated it. Instead, you are supposed to root for them to get and stay together.
Geraldine Page earned another Oscar nomination in her comedic performance as a cooky neighbor who gets in a water fight and has to hide in shame when her wig gets knocked off. It's an easy role, one that anyone could have played, so I don't really see why such an accomplished dramatic actress was honored for it. Barry Nelson plays her husband, Rene Auberjonois plays an effeminate party guest, and Kent Smith and Whit Bissell play religious figures. I wouldn't honestly recommend this movie unless you think Walter Matthau's brand of humor makes him husband-material.
I don't happen to find Walter Matthau's classic shtick charming, or even amusing. If I'd been set up on a blind date with him, I probably wouldn't have made it to the entrée before getting an emergency phone call. Carol Burnett, on the other hand, not only agrees to go out with him again but develops a serious relationship with him. What is wrong with her? He's completely irritating, makes inappropriate jokes, never takes anything she says seriously, and doesn't even care about being monogamous. He goes weeks without calling her for another date, then shows up at her apartment assuming the right to take her to bed. Is her self esteem that low that she feels being with Walter is better than being alone? If this movie were a cautionary tale about how women settle for partners who only serve to tear them down, I would have appreciated it. Instead, you are supposed to root for them to get and stay together.
Geraldine Page earned another Oscar nomination in her comedic performance as a cooky neighbor who gets in a water fight and has to hide in shame when her wig gets knocked off. It's an easy role, one that anyone could have played, so I don't really see why such an accomplished dramatic actress was honored for it. Barry Nelson plays her husband, Rene Auberjonois plays an effeminate party guest, and Kent Smith and Whit Bissell play religious figures. I wouldn't honestly recommend this movie unless you think Walter Matthau's brand of humor makes him husband-material.