Second Best (1994)

William Hurt is one of my favourite actors. Steady, brooding, sensitive. Unfortunately, the mix of loneliness, poignancy and longing for love is obscured by oft ill-judged caricatured characters and situations.I've read through the other reviews as well as seen the movie twice, now. There is no doubt that men such as Graham Holt do exist, sitting in the wings of society. Far more commonly, their (early, in his case) midlife crises emerge as they find life is slipping by and one that will have true meaning - and legacy. "I want you to look after me when I'm old", he blubs to the boy, James as they fight and argue.Whilst the media has us all believe that only inner city kids with hoodies and a drug dependence are the only ones who have grave emotional issues. So far, we're OK. The intention is good and the intense interactions work well as well as the temper tantrums performed by both man and boy.I noticed that many reviewers who wrote glowing comments may be a little overwhelmed by our English "quaintness". Or supposed quaintness. I really don't want to sound patronising. We certainly hold onto unrepresentative views of the U.S. Thus, this film's sedate pace may have an added attraction for them. That, though isn't my issue - it's the likes of Jane Horrock's vulgar and totally unsuitable character, social worker Debbie and the overplaying of Keith Allen's part as the boy's father. I've had issue with social services myself and I can only think that the writer David Cook and director Chris Menges felt that the film needed 'spicing up'. A sardonic character often works and occasionally makes a film, but only if it works.I really don't wish to insult his film further - but that old chestnut that the critics usually end up with springs to mind - would make a great TV movie. A pretty good, one though.

Second Best is directed by Chris Menges, has a screenplay by David Cook(based on his novel)and stars William Hurt, Nathan Yapp, Jane Horrocks and Keith Allen. Emotionally reserved postmaster Graham Holt(William Hurt)lives alone spending his time looking after his father who has suffered a series of strokes.He sees an advertisement for an adoption agency and decides to adopt a boy.He chooses the emotionally disturbed Jimmy(Nathan Yapp)who has had an horrific childhood.His mum committed suicide and his father(Keith Allen) was arrested when he was little and he has a history of self harm.Both Graham and Jimmy are damaged souls,Graham realises he has to feel again if he is ever going to help Jimmy lead a normal life where he is loved and brought up well.It's the slow bonding of this pair that makes Second Best work so well.William gives one of his best performances and manages a credible Welsh accent.With small supporting roles by Jane Horrocks,Prunella Scales and John Hurt as Grahams eccentric uncle this is well worth a watch.

I rarely write reviews for movies. And having seen the other excellent reviews, mine is hardly needed. But I stumbled across this movie and felt I had to comment on it.This is an excellent movie with wonderful acting, directing, writing, screen play, and filming. I saw the last 2/3 of the movie by accident and could not tear myself away from it.William Hurt and the boy actor (sorry - forgot the name) are thrown together by life's accidents and develop bonds for one another. The rough edges on each character are worn smooth as each accommodates the other and learns of the other's trials and humanity. The acting is superb and rarely gets in the way of the content - more to the point, the acting complements the story well.But what makes the movie special is the character development. The writing, directing, and screen play successfully convey the existential experiences of the actors as they develop and react to one another.A good song, a good poem, a good book - are made special if they are accessible - if they evoke within you the ring of truth and personal history. This movie communicated with me extremely well on a personal basis, on many plans at the same time. Every element of this film was well crafted. The movie is cerebral and touching - with very few rough edges. I couldn't recommend it more highly for an adult audience.

Excellent film. Both the boy (Yapp) and Hurt were great. Seemed real life like. Hurt the lonely man, and the boy as one needing love. It highlighted the struggles both and to go through before they could finally come together as father and son. Also the musical track is great.