SNMR 1.22: "Regarding Henry"

As we continue Harrison Ford month, the first of this weekend's SNMR double feature is "Regarding Henry" (1991, PG-13, 107 minutes), starring Harrison Ford, Annette Bening, Bill Nunn, Donald Moffatt, Rebecca Miller, Elizabeth Wilson and Mikki Allen. The film was directed by Mike Nichols.

The first time I saw this movie was when I was in college. It was shown in the school's movie theater when I worked there. Since then, as with many of Harrison Ford's films, I have watched it many times.

From the DVD's dust jacket:

Henry Turner is a successful but ruthless New York lawyer who needs to win at any cost, even at the expense of his wife and daughter. But a single gunshot brings Henry's fast-track rise to a dead stop, leaving him incapacitated and with no memory of the life he used to lead. Now, faced with starting over, Henry Turner is avout to learn the hard truth about a total stranger...himself. Harrison Ford stars in this dramatic, often funny and heartwarming film that reunites the talents of Ford and director Mike Nichols (Working Girl). Co-starring Academy Award nominee Annette Bening (American Beauty).

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2006, p. 936:

Harrison Ford gives one of his finest performances as Henry Turner, a successful, self-centered attorney who loses all memory of his past when a robber shoots him in the head with a small caliber weapon. Annette Bening is equally fine as the wife who finds herself falling in live with the gentle, childlike man who emerges in her husband's body.

I've always thought that this was one of Ford's best, if not understated, performances of his career. To see the transformation in charachter from an ass to a very likeable guy is difficult to do convincingly. Director Mike Nichols, and Ford, working together for the second time are seamless. It is interesting to note that the script was written by JJ Abrams, who created my favorite television series, Alias. Annette Bening is excellent as Turner's wife and the supporting cast is excellent. I especially liked Bill Nunn's performance as Bradley, the physical therapist.

This is a very well thought out film which moves along quite nicely. This film is a another winner in my opinion. I'll give it four out of five stars.