NOBODY’S FOOL (1994) – A 30th Anniversary Retro Review

Introduction

In one of his final starring roles, Paul Newman proves, once again, his uncanny ability to turn what would otherwise be an unlikeable and hard-edged character into an indelible portrait. As a result, Robert Benton’s Nobody’s Fool turns into an underseen gem.

Synopsis

Newman stars as Donald “Sully” Sullivan, a late-aged man getting by on his charm and schemes in a quiet and snowy northern New York village. Sully has a running “feud” with local contractor Carl Roebuck (Bruce Willis), constantly suing him for whatever reason, while also playfully flirting with Carl’s jilted wife Toby (Melanie Griffith).

When Sully’s estranged son Peter (Dylan Walsh) re-enters his life following his own failings, Sully reconnects with his son and begins a new relationship with his young grandson, Will (Alexander Goodwin). With various characters coming into and out of his life, Sully continues his existence despite the world trying to tear him down.

Analysis

If it sounds like there isn’t much plot, it’s because there isn’t. It’s almost as if Benton and Richard Russo (who wrote the novel) created the entire premise around Newman being a loveable scamp without purpose. The environment around him is filled with colorful characters and various plot contrivances, but it’s all in service of letting Newman have his fun.

That being said, thematically, the film touches on friendship, parentage, legacy, contentment, and even fidelity. These add to the layers but are never really what the film cares about. It knows what it has in Newman and it isn’t about to bog down the film in detours or grand conclusions. This is a slight, simple story about a man who refuses to be broken down by his failings in life.

Newman/Supporting Cast

Of all the classic roles Newman has filled, this is the one most charismatically suited to his on-screen person in the 90s. Here, he is playful, a little dark, but always quick-witted. It’s everything you could want from late-era Newman. When you see him flirt with Griffith, you don’t question it or even assume some level of creepiness. He’s Paul Newman. You accept that this beautiful woman could be into this man. It’s the carry-over of forty previous years of knowledge added to a ball of charm.

Despite the relative “neglect” of the other characters, the actors seem more than happy to share the screen with Newman. Willis, in particular, seems to relish in the idea of a small-scale story where he gets to bust Newman’s balls every chance he gets. He is having a lot of fun. Griffith gives her character a bit more substance than what was on the page. She exudes a level of sad self-awareness where you never pity her, but always root for her.

Other familiar faces include the ever-nervous Walsh, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Newman’s dim-witted best friend, and a young Phillip Seymour Hoffman as an impertinent local cop. Jessica Tandy also has some nice scenes as Sully’s ever-forgiving landlord.

Conclusion

Nobody’s Fool doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It’s a simple story without much plot, but one that allows Paul Newman the chance to shine. And we are all the better for it.  

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