Though made in 1973, Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression and looks and feels like it is a product of that era. It's not just the black and white, it's the character designs and the sound design. Slightly more potty-mouthed than the 30s would allow, but still. The film concerns a traveling con man who "inherits" a 10-year-old girl (Tatum O'Neal famously became the youngest person to win an Oscar in the part of Addie - and she IS quite engaging) who shortly becomes his partner in all manner of scheme on the road to her foster home. Completely charming and full of fun little cons and bad behavior, the film's high-wire act is to keep Ryan O'Neal (father of Tatum)'s character from becoming irredeemable or unlikable, despite his taking a child on a crime spree. Madeline Kahn also shows up in an effective role as a somewhat pathetic floozy.
I mostly enjoyed it, particularly Tatum O'Neals performance and the period details.
But somehow Ryan O'Neal didn't come across as very convincing, and though his chemistry with his daughter is great, I have a hard time seeing him as a bonafide con artist.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 19
Panunzio
Tatum O'neil is shockingly good in this one, and the story itself is very sweet. A really pleasant surprise.bm97
You still owe me 200 dollars.catherinefrances
I would say, one of the best road trip movies, I've seen in a while. The movie has not aged at all, I laughed so much! I would highly recommend :)Windill
Beautiful road movie about a 9-year-old girl travelling with her irresponsible dad.Siskoid
Though made in 1973, Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression and looks and feels like it is a product of that era. It's not just the black and white, it's the character designs and the sound design. Slightly more potty-mouthed than the 30s would allow, but still. The film concerns a traveling con man who "inherits" a 10-year-old girl (Tatum O'Neal famously became the youngest person to win an Oscar in the part of Addie - and she IS quite engaging) who shortly becomes his partner in all manner of scheme on the road to her foster home. Completely charming and full of fun little cons and bad behavior, the film's high-wire act is to keep Ryan O'Neal (father of Tatum)'s character from becoming irredeemable or unlikable, despite his taking a child on a crime spree. Madeline Kahn also shows up in an effective role as a somewhat pathetic floozy.Gunness
I mostly enjoyed it, particularly Tatum O'Neals performance and the period details.But somehow Ryan O'Neal didn't come across as very convincing, and though his chemistry with his daughter is great, I have a hard time seeing him as a bonafide con artist.
moonsicle
The resonances with the real lives of the O'Neals make it all the more compelling.Camille Deadpan
I enjoyed this movie very much and also it's not too long. I recommend!estiedelruth
Fantastic performances all round! A very enjoyable and recommendable movie.Dieguito
Great one!Angmark
One of the best child performances, Tatum is fantastic.Joculator
Very charming. Possibly the best road movie I've seen.Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/170170/review/146409/Cuadie
What an outstanding performance of the little girl. I don't like old movies that much, but this one was worth the watch.devilsadvocado
It makes me sad that this film is on so few lists. Best of 1973 in my opinion.Showing items 1 – 15 of 19