Mumford (1999)

"I am not now, nor have I ever been, a psychologist..."

Lawrence Kasdan, who has written and/or directed/produced many films, taking one or more such tasks upon himself over decades, first truly came to my conscious name-recognition attention (forgetting his contributions to "Star Wars"), when I initially saw his "Grand Canyon" in a theater and loved it. That was at the beginning of the 90's. I continued to watch it since again and again on the small screen, and have retained a unique fondness for the film throughout the years. Not only is it a great film, but it rings true for me personally as an accurate portrayal of several cross-sections of people in LA, the city of Angels, and what it all seemed like when I resided there at least. While lots of other films have dealt and continue to deal brilliantly with dissecting LA life and characters, few before Kasdan's "Grand Canyon," have left as lasting an impact on me.

At the end of the 90's, his (written, produced and directed) by "Mumford" hit theaters and later, video, DVD and cable. Throughout the new millennium, I had vaguely heard of this film's title (as a kind of "cult classic"), many times before I finally saw it for myself nearly a decade later on TV. I was stunned and remain so, at just how good this is, and this particular movie has so touched and enlightened me during repeated viewings, that I eventually paid close attention to the credits, and eventually researched it a bit only to find out who was responsible for this. Belatedly thus, a big thank you to Mr. Kasdan for another grand winner! Unlike in "Grand Canyon" however, where Kasdan paints with broad strokes about the big Orange, in "Mumford," he deals with a small town instead. This time around, using more subtle but detailed strokes of deep insight into the general human experience, mixing just the right amounts of light comedy with compelling drama, Kasdan has created a truly timeless masterpiece of a film dealing with various human interactions, relationships, and appeals to all of us to simply try to just try to listen to each other, with love.

Regardless of how many times you watch it, and sometimes it's better to allow some time between viewings, it seems like as with "Grand Canyon," there is always something new to discover about humanity and our little places in it all, upon repeated enjoyments. Instead of dealing with the mad, immense urban sprawl of LA however, Kasdan drops us into a totally different environment, yet succeeds in spades at making almost every moment not only original and surprising, but at all times compelling, magical and unforgettable throughout. That is quite a trick! "Mumford" has become for me, not only one of the best movies I've ever seen, but is truly one of the very few, really honest films "Hollywood" has ever made, in my opinion, about the whole "Yakkity-Yak, Don't Talk Back" world of what oftentimes passes for modern, traditional, non-cognitive "professional" psychotherapy. If you're in need of a "feel good" experience and don't have access to or can afford the "real" thing (either drugs or therapy or both), this film is the next best thing, and is sure to lift your spirits and leave you, at least temporarily, a generally better, kinder, more thoughtful, and introspective person after each viewing.

"Mumford" is a supposedly fictional little town in America (compared cynically to "Mayberry" from the Andy Griffith show at one point by a character in the film), where a "licensed" psychotherapist by the same last name as the town itself, strangely enough, has for awhile, been running a successful "practice" with lots of grateful and returning "patients." Those patients, who continue to see benefits in his seemingly schooled yet at times suspiciously odd/different therapy methods, all gain much in the end. In fact, this is one of few movies where everyone wins in the end, including the viewer. And I offer no "spoilers" here, because I envy those who check this out for the first time and are as surprised at how good it is, like I was. The fact that this was more or less a box-office bomb after release or that it received almost no awards from the "awarding" Hollyweird establishment, shouldn't sway one from setting aside time to see this wonderful delight however.

A very enjoyable, simple, linear approach to this warm, fuzzy, rather straightforward, yet eventually powerful narrative material, with a first rate ensemble cast, adds to the many surprises along the way, and yes, there are many. Including recurring old time, black and white corny movie "film noir" sequences and a great montage revealing the true story of how "Dr. Mumford" became who he became. Various other unique editing and directorial techniques, some disconcerting at first, but most easily accepted and understood in short time, add to the pleasure. And this movie also has one of the best written screenplays I've ever seen transferred to film. Whether this went through a few re-writes or many, the final results are breathtakiningly tight, and there is no filler here. The writing, character development, and pace here are completely right-on, from beginning to end.

Kudos and props overdue for a great group of actors, every character evidently and carefully thought out, written, and played out with great casting, some from Kasdan's previous works or studio involvements. These include but are certainly not limited to nice guy/good listener Loren Dean ("Dr. Mumford"), the beautiful, hopelessly lovable Hope Davis ("Sofie"), Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodard (from "Grand Canyon"), Jason Lee, Martin Short, Ted Danson, a young Zooey Deschanel in an early memorable role, and countless others.

Finally, James Newton Howard, musical score producer (who also did the music for "Grand Canyon"), is to be commended, although the real music star/track here is Bob Seger's "Till It Shines," used at precisely the right time in the film and summing it all up with its generally upbeat tone, message, and lyrics. This is a song which will haunt your consciousness, and/or "secret" subconscious, and is a great featured track which perfectly sums up this whole beautiful film, and its overall message to all of us. That we're all really just psychotherapists to the friends, family and loved ones in our lives, as they can be for us. September 25, 2008

A Feel Good Movie

Fun,funny,and happy with considerable irony. Consider this, the psychogist, he has no credentials, has the largest practise in Mumford and the town's only Psychiatrist, as a patient. April 20, 2008

Mumford - review

I enjoyed this movie, probably because I work in the field of Mental Health and could identify with a lot of the characters. Not such a stretch from reality, folks! But the movie was amusing and cute. Enjoyed it a lot. August 10, 2007

Tasty Treat!....A Future Cult Classic....

I loved this little movie!
I liked Loren Dean...he's new to me...maybe he's from the Walken family? ie: I love Chris, Nick Cage, Jason Leigh, Depp. When I see them in the credits, I don't expect someone who'd only like John Wayne movies, to give it a thumbs up; but I'm pretty sure to give it two of 'em! This is one of those high-five, two-thumbs-up reviews. Those who don't like it, go see your own kind of "boxed-set" flick. As for the reviewer, who mentioned the flashing of boobs..huh? They'd probably try to shield their kid's eyes from Dolly Parton, in 9 to 5, or Betty Boop...c'mon!..instead of cartoon depictions, it was only human characterizations of the cartoon aspects of society. Truth in jest...irony...satire...Not blatant, but understated, for those of us who don't need to be hit over the head to have a point made. More's not enuff of these movies, for me. The whole family can watch and be entertained, at different levels. Smart Movie Making. Keep 'em coming. July 16, 2007

The Best Romantic Comedy... Ever

Mumford is one of those movies that no one really knows about, but everyone who's seen it loves it. It's a great romantic comedy full of bright, colorful- and very eccentric- characters. And it has one of the best twists in any movie I've seen in years. May 26, 2007

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