Review of On Golden Pond (1981) by Michael C — 24 Aug 2009

A touching classic of the 80's, this film has aged a bit (especially the score, which while good has been copied by TV movies so much it takes some getting used to at first). However, this tale of an elderly man finding the ability to connect with people once again and move past his obsession with his own mortality is still a very good film.

All of the credit should rest on the performers in the film, especially to one of my favorite of the older generation of actors, Henry Fonda. His willingness to approach his character with full awareness (as he was nearing the end of his own life as Norman was) and with the courage to portray his age without trying to make himself too prideful is impressive to see on the screen.

You can't help but really love Norman Thayer, and Hepburn's performance as his supportive, steadfast wife only enhances his character further. This is one of those films that feels as if its been sampled by other films that have taken the direction of this movie and turned it into over-the-top melodrama.

But it works in this film, as it never feels like its trying to squeeze an emotion out of you, and there is an honesty to it that makes it feel as if this complex family could exist right down the road from you.