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Features: DVD, Widescreen
In his Oscar-winning performance as Best Actor, Robert Duvall stars as Mac Sledge, an alcoholic drifter who comes into the life of a lonely widow (Tess Harper) and her young son in the barren flatlands of Texas. But when Mac is revealed to be a once-famous country singer, he must confront a painful past that includes his bitter superstar ex-wife (Betty Buckley) and troubled daughter (Ellen Barkin) while facing an uncertain future that may only be redeemed by the simple power of love. Tender Mercies is a movie experience of uncommon grace and dignity, directed by Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant, Driving Miss Daisy) from an Oscar-winning screenplay by Horton Foote (To Kill A Mockingbird, The Trip To Bountiful) and featuring a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Robert Duvall. Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture, this modern masterpiece is now presented in a stunning new widescreen transfer from original vault materials.
"Wonderful, life-affirming flick." VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever
"An American classic." Sheila Benson, Los Angeles Times
"....an episodic gem...fine performances..." TV Guide Online
"Winning but extremely low-key film... Duvall's Oscar-winning performance is the real attraction here..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Editor's Note
While director Bruce Beresford has often dwelled on the amusing peccadilloes of southerners, in this film he has adapted his style to characters whose manners are as plain and unadorned as the landscape they inhabit. The film stars Robert Duvall as Mac Sledge, formerly an icon of country & western music, now down-and-out, a penniless alcoholic. Rosa Lee (Tess Harper), the young widow who owns the rural Texas motel where he has ended up, allows him to work off his board. As the months pass, the singer develops a bond with Rosa and her young son, experiencing the healing effects of this deeply religious woman's compassion. They become a family when she accepts Mac's offer of marriage, and he continues to rebuild his life. He attempts to see his daughter, Sue Ann (Ellen Barkin), whom he hasn't seen in years, and despite a nasty dust-up with Dixie (Betty Buckley), his ex-wife, is finally able to do so. However, the last tragedy he must confront is one that will truly test his recovery. Less a traditional story than a chain of epiphanies on faith and love, this masterpiece of low-key naturalism is arguably the finest work in the distinguished careers of both Duvall and Beresford.
Plot Summary
In this movingly atmospheric film, a washed-up country singer remarries and attempts to start a new life for himself. Despite his battles with depression and alcohol, his new wife and son stand by him and help him turn it all around.
| Features | Talent Bios | | Scene Access | | Featurette "Miracles And Mercies," Featuring All-New Interviews With Stars Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Allan Hubbard, Director Bruce Beresford And Writer/Co-Producer Horton Foote | | Theatrical Trailer | | Widescreen Version Enhanced For 16x9 TVs | | Audio: English & French Mono | | Interactive Menus |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Anchor Bay |
| Release Date: 4/16/2002 |
| Running Time: 92 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1983 | | Catalog ID: 11469 | | UPC: 00013131146998 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, French Dubbed | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.77:1 |
| Cast & Crew | Betty Buckley | | Ellen Barkin | | Robert Duvall | | Tess Harper | | Wilford Brimley | | Russell Boyd - Cinematographer | | Robert Duvall - Co-Producer | | Horton Foote - Co-Producer | | Jane Greenwood - Costume Designer | | Elizabeth McBride - Costume Designer | | Bruce Beresford - Director | | William M. Anderson - Film Editor | | Philip S. Hobel - Producer | | Jeannie Claudia Oppewall - Production Designer | | Horton Foote - Screenplay | | Austin Roberts - Songs | | Bobby Hart - Songs |
| Awards |
Oscar (1984) |  | Robert Duvall, Winner, Best Actor | | Horton Foote, Winner, Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen | | | Bruce Beresford, Nominee, Best Director | | | Bobby Hart, Austin Roberts, Nominee, Best Music, Song ("Over You") | | | Philip Hobel, Nominee, Best Picture | |
Cannes Film Festival (1983) | | | Bruce Beresford, Nominee, Golden Palm | |
Golden Globe (1984) | | Robert Duvall, Winner, Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture-Drama | | | Bruce Beresford, Nominee, Best Director | | | Bobby Hart, Nominee, Best Original Song--Motion Picture | | | Tess Harper, Nominee, Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture |
| Memorable Quotes| "Were you really Mac Sledge?"----Country music fan to Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall)|"Yes, ma'am, I guess I was."----Mac Sledge |
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| | Professional Reviews | New York Times
"...Real delicacy and emotional power, both largely attributable to a fine performance by Robert Duvall..." 03/04/1983 p.C8New York Times
Included in The New York Times "10 BEST FILMS OF 1983" 12/25/1983 p.II:15 Variety
"...An outstanding film....[The] acting is fine down the line..." 12/29/1982 |
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