‘See, I don’t trust happiness. I never did, I never will...’
The turbulent life of the country singer is ripe for cinematic portrayal as anyone that has seen Crazy Heart or the various incarnations of A Star is Born can attest to. Tender Mercies has kinda been forgotten about since winning two Oscars in 1984 (Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Robert Duvall) and this is a shame because this is a quiet, contemplative but competent film that I enjoyed thoroughly…
Mac Sledge (Duvall) is a washed-up country singer and recovering alcoholic who is trying to forge a new life with Rosa Lee (Tess Harper) a young widow whose previous husband died in Vietnam. Together, they try to provide for Rosa’s son Sonny (Allan Hubbard) whilst also attempting to make a success of their roadside motel business.
There isn’t much here in terms of plot then, but the performances are so good that it barely matters. The world created here by director Bruce Beresford and writer Horton Foote feels genuine and lived in. Duvall gives the performance of a lifetime in a turn that is defined more by what he doesn’t say than by what he does. He fosters a touching and authentic chemistry with Harper, but still demonstrates his darker side in his interactions with his ex-wife Dixie (Betty Buckley) and his now grown-up daughter Sue Anne (Ellen Barkin). It helps that Duvall himself is an accomplished guitar player and singer and his own compositions that he performs here are truly exceptional.
Sometimes somebody is born to play a certain role. Robert Duvall simply is Mac Sledge. For an actor who would be defined by his supporting roles in various classic films, Tender Mercies offers the opportunity to show just how good Duvall is. Recommended for everyone.