Mumford (1999)

Too much of everything

Simply A Masterpiece

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

This is one of those movies that I just happened to see when it came out as a bored teenager that loved the movies and would go see just about anything that was out in the theaters. I was charmed by this movie from beginning to end and love to show it to people, because most have never even heard of it. The supporting cast of characters are filled with actors that are quite famous (Ted Danson, Martin Short, Alfre Woodard) and ones that would soon be a lot more famous (Zooey Deschanel, Jason Ritter) and Jason Lee in one of his most likable roles. It's very funny, but in a smile and nod, not laugh out loud kind of a way, and if the trailer hadn't ruined the big plot twist, it's one extremly interesting and clever story.Love the use of the Unsolved Mystries theme in this too! Overall a great little movie that I love to watch once a year or so.

I had read/heard good things about this movie so many times I had no doubts that I would enjoy it.....unfortunately that is so far from the truth. Where to start.... 1. Loren Dean has got to be one of the most wooden, uninterested, bored actors I've ever seen. This was clearly just a paycheck or he has zero acting ability. His role ruined most of the ability to even watch this. While others around him SORTA tried he was so boring I wanted it to be over. 2.normally kind of good actors, i.e Jason lee, tanked in this movie too. It's not their fault the script sucked and wasn't believable but it's their fault they took the role.3. What exactly was the point of this movie? To make fun of bumpkins? To show we all have issues???? I could rant all day but I won't, just trust me and don't waste your time.

Of all of the comments to date, Jotix describes this film best. It is very reminiscent of some of the work of the great directors of Hollywood's Golden Era: Frank Capra, Ernst Lubitsch and Preston Sturges. I cannot imagine categorizing this film. It is not a pure comedy, although it provides moments of cleverness and humor. But there is also a significant element of dramatic tension. It is certainly no intellectual tour de force, however, it is much more than a way to while away 100 minutes (or whatever the length of the film is). It is not a morality play, although you might find something meaningful to take away with you. It is a finely crafted, subtly nuanced, multi-faceted film, mirroring its title character. You might conclude from other opinions that Mumford (the character) is passive out of timidity or lack of purpose or even in order to preserve his anonymity. However, I believe he is passionate about his "profession" and has a very clear philosophy and purpose. I think his therapeutic prescriptions for his "patients" represent sympathetic, compassionate and very intentional interventions in their lives. However, his persona is low-key and his methods of intervention are indirect. Thus their dramatic impact seems to be just the natural consequence of the patients' living their own lives - just as the good doctor intends.This kind of subtlety is in short demand and hence supply in the contemporary world of in-your-face computer generated special effects, one dimensional characters and unimaginative dialog. But, if you enjoy films like Grand Canyon, The Accidental Tourist, Local Hero and Passion Fish, you'll like this film. It is driven by a great balance of plot and well developed characters, played by a wonderful ensemble cast.

Lawrence Kasdan's "Mumford" is a film that could have been done by Frank Capra in another time. Mr. Kasdan created an enigmatic man, Dr. Mickey Mumford, who appears in the small town out of nowhere. He quickly goes to become an indispensable person in the community with his no-nonsense approach to psychiatry.Mumford touches the lives of the people that come to him seeking his advice. Among the people he helps, there is Sofie Crisp, a young woman suffering from depression and some sort of fatigue syndrome that renders her unfit to live her life to the fullest. With Mumford's help, she begins her daily walks as she gains confidence and opens up to see what is out there.The film opens with a black and white sequence that is a fantasy being played in the mind of Henry. We realize it's only his mind wandering as he is not capable of doing what he dreams about. There is also the young millionaire who is one of the richest men in the country because his firm produces modems for computers and who doesn't care to show his eccentric side for all to see.Mumford's cover is finally revealed when an episode of the television program "Unsolved Mysteries" in which he is showcased. The town of Mumford, instead of condemning him, rallies in its support of a man that has done more in his humble way to help the community in spite of his deceit."Mumford" is a delightful movie thanks to Loren Dean, who plays the title role. Mr. Dean does a wonderful work. Hope Davis is also a charming presence in the picture. The large supporting cast has some brilliant faces in it, Alfre Woodard, Jason Lee, Mary McDonnell, Pruitt Taylor Vance, Martin Short, Jane Adams, David Paymer, and Ted Danson, among them.The film's success belongs to Lawrence Kasdan whose brilliant take on a man who is a fake, but who has seen into the hearts of the people he has decided to settle in.