Review of The Singer Not the Song (1961) by David G — 20 Oct 2015
This is a philosophy movie disguised as a western and there are well hidden surprises in store. The very intelligent cynical atheist philosopher has no worthy opponent and in his fight with boredom and ennui entertains himself by playing god-beyond-morality with the the little town.
When the new priest shows up to replace the defeated old one, the philosopher applies the techniques of domination that had worked before. But the new priest is a 'very' good man well versed in the logic of the church and brave and intelligent as well.
..but he is a man and all that that implies. Watch this movie. Be calm and patient for it starts gently, deceptively and only gradually pulls you in. If you are a fairly intelligent 11 or 12 year old you will certainly get the message and it will have a significant emotional impact.
Mature viewers will enjoy more the nuance and philosophical overtones and the roll that sexuality plays in the plot but years of media mayhem may have desensitized you somewhat to the emotional impact of the climax.
The point, which is the title, is well made. p.s. There are serious errors in the MOVIE INFO summary.
This review of The Singer Not the Song (1961) was written by David G on 20 Oct 2015.
The Singer Not the Song has generally received positive reviews.
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