Paper Moon: Criterion Collection Review

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Paper Moon, spine #1241, is now available in the Criterion Collection.

Peter Bogdanovich’sPaper Moonhas been on my watch list for decades. As a young child I remember walking into a room as my mom was watching it. I saw only the tiniest sliver of the movie, but the simple fact that my mom was watching it and singing its praises piqued my interest and that interest never went away. Now, as its released into theCriterion Collection, I’ve finally had the opportunity to watch it and, even with decades of buildup, it did not disappoint.

Paper MoonPlot

When a conman finds himself as the caretaker of a recently orphaned young tomboy, the two form an unlikely team. Set in the 1930’s, the duo travel from one location to the next, hawking bibles and earning cash one grift at a time.

The Review

Holding the distinct honor of featuring the youngest performance to ever win an acting Oscar,Paper Moonis a movie that stands the test of time. Released in the 1970’s and set in the 1930’s, it feels as relevant and entertaining today as it did back then. The bulk of the film’s success is thanks to the performances of its two stars, Ryan and Tatum O’Neal. The real-life father and daughter duo bring a comedic energy to their incessant bickering and a wholesome, sentimental chemistry to their relationship.

Set against the Great Depression, the unlikely pair utilize unconventional means to chase their dreams and achieve the appearance of wealth. For Moses, the adult, the goal is fancy cars, nice hotels and women. For Addie, the child, the goal is escapism. Newly orphaned, she fills the void with adventure and leans on the unwilling father figure she’s presented with.

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Tatum O’Neal takes what could have been a role destined for generic cuteness, and brings a depth and realism to it. She speaks like an adult and makes adult decisions. When she and Moses argue (which is often), they argue like peers rather than a child and a guardian. The interesting dynamic never feels forced and it never feels as though it has outstayed its welcome. Instead, it’s this aspect of the relationship that makesPaper Moonfeel so endlessly watchable.

What Bogdanovich achieves here is something that’s rarely accomplished. Set at a time when happiness was scarce, he weaves a story filled with hope and laughter. The Great Depression is obviously in full swing, but the characters are permitted to be the focal points rather than the time period itself. And lucky for us, those characters are extremely compelling and honest portraits of human struggles and emotional connections.

The Special Features

The release features audio commentary and an introduction from director Peter Bogdanovich. There is a three-part making-of documentary, archival interviews and Excerpts from a 1973 episode ofThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carsonfeaturing Bogdanovich and actors Ryan and Tatum O’Neal.

Also included is the original trailer, location-scouting footage and a video essay by Bogdanovich’s biographer. Critic Mark Harris provides the written essay providing insightful detail into the film.

Is a worth a blind buy? Yes. The story is lighthearted and entertaining enough to please just about any audience. It’s a safe bet purchase.

Purchase your copy ofPaper Moonfrom the Criterion Collectionhere.