Harper: Engaging Detective Romp

Movie: Harper

Director: Jack Smight

Cast: Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall and Julie Harris

Rating: ***1/2

‘Harper’ starring Paul Newman is not one of the best detective flicks, but an underrated gem that certainly gave Hollywood one of the coolest and most versatile actors ever. I consider Paul Newman, the third most charismatic actor after Clint Eastwood and Steve McQueen. Standing in third position, Paul never tried to compete with Clint or Steve because he had his own style and also managed to create some following. Despite being so versatile in his role, it’s sad that Paul was never acknowledged equally with actors such as De Niro, Pacino or even Brando for that matter. He was always considered an underdog with some luck in his favor.

Paul plays Lew Harper, a private detective who is summoned by wealthy California matron, to find her missing husband. The husband is only been missing since the evening before Harper arrived at the Sampson’s. Lew was referred by Albert Graves, the family lawyer and also happens to be his best friend. What begins as an exercise of connecting the dots, turns nasty than imagined when a group of insalubrious characters get involved. With literally no one to trust but himself, Lew should do whatever it takes to find Mr. Sampson before it’s too late.

Very successfully ‘Harper’ carries forward an element of suspense that’s not the kind which will freak you but makes you think. I love a film that makes me think and sucks me in to the plot. I don’t mind if it’s confusing throughout but finally it should make sense. The characters make you feel uncertain. You wouldn’t know which ones to trust because they’re all plagued with some kind of deviousness. This element in the film piques your interest and doubles it to keep you engaged till the last minute.

‘Harper’ would be a bad choice for those who’re inclined towards minute-to-minute entertainment. But, it’s apt for all those who prefer to be taunted with slow and steady suspense mixed with appropriate dose of subtlety.

The day I saw ‘Cool Hand Luke’ I fell in love with Paul Newman, I mean, literally. That day, I told myself, no matter what I’ll go back and watch all his films. I haven’t finished watching all films yet but I’m glad I’ve started and will complete soon. His character in ‘Harper’ may be of an investigator but he isn’t as tough as Clint or Steve. You will see Lew getting beaten up in few scenes but he still wouldn’t stop looking for the missing person. He’s powered by undying perseverance and confidence in the film which equally matches his aura.

‘Harper’ majorly works for its sincere and compelling style of narration which won’t let you move from your seat. Paul’s one-liners are simply brilliant and you’ll definitely love them. The film which is based on the novel ‘The Moving Target’ by Ross MacDonald was intellectually written for the screen by William Goldman. Johnny Mandel’s score is the perfect icing on this cake. It adds the much needed tempo to the film.

In essence; ‘Harper’ is carried by Paul Newman to greater heights with his unadulterated commitment for cinema.