They Might Be Giants (1971)
The quirky, obscure rock band, They Might Be Giants, took their name from this quirky, obscure 1971 film staring George C. Scott and Joanne Woodward. Based on a 1961 play by William Goldman (The Lion in Winter), Goldman adapted his play for this film.
Justin Playfair (Scott) is a respected judge who, after the death of his wife, retreats into a fantasy world and is convinced that he is Sherlock Holmes. Playfair's brother is trying to have him committed to a mental institution in order to steal Justin's considerable wealth. But Playfair must first be certified insane by Doctor Mildred Watson (Woodward). The movie chronicles the development of Playfair and Watson's relationship.
This film is about what it means to be sane in a world that seems to be spinning into insanity at a faster pace every day. It is oddly comforting to watch this film from the 21st century. We have the same worries about the future as the characters of 1971 while simultaneously knowing that, as far as 1971 is concerned, it all worked itself out more or less alright. Time marched on and the world changed for better and for worse.
The defining quote of the film references Don Quixote, not Sherlock Holmes, and it speaks to the idea that reality is exactly what you make of it at any given time. Speaking of Don Quixote, Playfair states:
"Of course, he carried it a bit too far. He thought that every windmill was a giant. That's insane. But, thinking that they might be... Well, all the best minds used to think the world was flat. But, what if it isn't? It might be round. And bread mold might be medicine. If we never looked at things and thought of what they might be, why, we'd all still be out there in the tall grass with the apes."
I absolutely loved the first two acts of the film, but it all fell a bit flat for me towards the end. What starts as a romp through every crazy character in Manhattan becomes a Felliniesque farce that feels far too over-indulgent for 21st century sensibilities. Still the ideas of wonder and fairness resonate throughout. And I will forever associate the phrase "they might be giants" with the possibility, however remote, that a little bit of magic might be just around the corner.