MovieChat Forums > Charly (1968) Discussion > Not one of the mice is any longer capabl...

Not one of the mice is any longer capable ..

posted 11 years ago by TragicBloom
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"Not one of the mice is any longer capable of solving the simplest problem"

I don't know why, but I found that line funny. This movie really started out great. Seeing Charly's daily life and hearing his thoughts was so fascinating; I really had high expectations for his transformation. Things took a strange turn once they get together (charly and lady doc), and the movie dragged from there.

Disappointing - There's nothing really profound or thought provoking that he discovers about himself or the others around him as his intellect climbs. The anguish of him knowing that he will soon revert back to his former self is all the ending explores, and they don't really delve too deeply into that. That being said, the ending shot of Charly in the playground gave me the creeps.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] TragicBloom 9 years ago

I'm just saying there are plenty of movies that have had me feel more, and it didn't stimulate me intellectually.

[–] ntoxkn 9 years ago

Did you read the book? The book will grant you your desired stimulation.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] TragicBloom 9 years ago

Yeah the premise was excellent; I just felt the delivery fell short. I'd be more interested in what disillusions came to light as he grew more intelligent; like his observations of those around him or observations of who he used to be. You know some great enlightenment rather than him just trying to avoid the inevitable.

Most of the movies I like, which are countless, have stimulated my intellect in some shape or fashion. Random examples would be anything from Hitchcock, to the George Romero Trilogy, Older Polanski's, The Abyss, Royal Tenenbaums, Space Odyssey, even movies like Big or The Rocky Horror Picture Show; they all explore some aspect of existence or identity that's universal to us all.

It could be I watch this movie at another time, and my whole opinion will change (not that I think it's a bad movie now or anything). I found his climb fascinating, but once he got there - nothing happened, nothing thought provoking anyhow. I guess the only intriguing thing would be wondering if he was better off intelligent or mentally challenged. Like they say, ignorance is bliss.