The 1994 American comedy-drama film Nobody's Fool was directed by Robert Benton and starred Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, and Bruce Willis. It is an adaptation of the 1993 novel of the same name by Richard Russo.
The film tells the story of Donald Sullivan (Newman), a recently released convict who returns to his hometown in New York's Catskill Mountains. Sullivan is a charming and intelligent man, but he is also a con artist who has spent most of his adult life in prison.
Sullivan is determined to make a fresh start in his hometown, but he soon finds himself caught up in a number of old conflicts. He also begins a relationship with Toby Jewel (Tandy), an elderly widow who is his next-door neighbor.
Sullivan's relationship with Jewel helps him to see the world in a new light and to appreciate the simple things in life. However, his past eventually catches up with him, and he is forced to make a difficult choice.
Nobody's Fool is a heartwarming and funny film about a man who is trying to find his place in the world. It is also a celebration of the human spirit and the power of love.
Critical Reception
The film was met with critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its performances, its humor, and its heartwarming story. Newman, Tandy, and Willis were all nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.
Themes
The film explores a number of themes, including:
- Second chances: The film is about a man who is trying to get a second chance at life.
- Redemption: Sullivan is a man who is trying to redeem himself for his past mistakes.
- Love: The film is also about the power of love to transform people's lives.
Overall
Cast
- Paul Newman as Donald "Sully" Sullivan
- Jessica Tandy as Beryl Peoples
- Bruce Willis as Carl Roebuck
- Melanie Griffith as Toby Roebuck
- Dylan Walsh as Peter Sullivan
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as "Rub" Squeers
- Gene Saks as "Wirf" Wirfley
- Josef Sommer as Clive Peoples Jr.
- Philip Seymour Hoffman as Officer Raymer
- Angelica Torn as Ruby
- Jay Patterson as Jocko
- Philip Bosco as Judge Flatt
- Catherine Dent as Charlotte Sullivan
- Margo Martindale as "Birdy"
- Shannah Laumeister Stern as Didi
Director: Robert Benton
Writer: Robert Benton
Box Office Gross: $39,491,975
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: December 23, 1994
Trailer: