"Number One" must be one of the most obscure movies from the varied career of Charlton Heston. The film was never released on video back in the day, as far as I'm aware. I still recall the photo I saw of the film, over 30 years ago. TV showings were few and far between, so it appeared the film had dropped out of sight. Then in 2015, "Number One" was given a DVD release to my surprise.
I wasn't sure how convincing Heston was going to be, cast as a football player at the age of 46. However, he does well to be fair. His character isn't a particularly likeable one, he's full of his own arrogance and ego. Even as Heston realises that his football career is nearly over and that he struggles to cope with this, doesn't really endear him to the audience. His performance is the best in the film by far. Bruce Dern becomes completely wasted in an insignificant supporting role. He's billed third in the cast but has no place in the screenplay.
The football scenes are very good and they are blended into the footage of real life games effectively.
Plot-wise, I find it rather annoying how the film keeps chopping and changing between what is happening in the present and in the past. Confusion soon sets in and the narrative is weakened as a result. The pace is okay but the script isn't exactly worthy of an Academy Award, the dialogue being predictable. The acting from the supporting cast ranges from tolerable to downright terrible! I felt somewhat cheated by the ridiculous ending but others may feel differently.
This film is worth a look but don't expect a masterpiece.
Review of Number One
