| Director John O'Brien follows in his
film the 72-year-old farmer Fred Tuttle. Tuttle
is partly an invalid, can no longer pay his taxes
and medical care and is in danger of losing his
farm. His old father (96) has a wonderful idea:
son Fred has to go into politics. Politician is
after all the only career you can choose without
diploma, without being young and it also pays well.
Tuttle starts a campaign with hilarious consequences.
His fellows in the small town of Tunbridge in Vermont
are so charmed with their Fred, that his campaign
is successful too. The film looks more innocent
than it is. The images focus on the idyllic surroundings
(the America of the paintings of Norman Rockwell)
and the unpolished charm of the countryside. Simple
melodies and ironic commentary strengthen the tone
of mild parody.But under this layer of poignancy,
hides an unruly film that defends the interests
of forgotten citizens like Tuttle. There are plenty
of people in his hopeless position in today's America
and the film leaves no doubt about that, despite
its gentle tone. Some people actually voted for
Tuttle, not without a reason. |
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