MovieChat Forums > One-Trick Pony (1980) Discussion > movie's fatal flaw

movie's fatal flaw

posted 18 years ago by EJF
8 replies | jump to latest

There's one thing that kept this movie from being so much better than it actually was, and it's that Paul Simon took on one job too many. He wrote the screenplay and the music -- but he should never have acted.

Maybe all his appearances on Saturday Night Live convinced him he was an actor -- he isn't. His delivery is wooden (especially compared with the other musicians, like Steve Gadd and Richard Tee, who are much more natural). And he's just not a very charismatic presence.

[–] Trenthamfolk 17 years ago

Agreed! However (although never stated) the general consensus is that the film is semi autobiographical, and PS is living proof that charisma is not required to be a success - Jonah is just Paul Simon being Paul Simon!! Dry & pase & disinterested. Long Live Uncle Paul :-)

[–] buby1987 17 years ago

I think Simon did a solid job of conveying a journeyman musician who has reached a crossroads in his life. His character is supposed to be burned out and beaten down, and Simon played it accordingly. There are flashes of rebellion and dark humor that sometimes surface, but mainly Jonah is a guy who has been on the road too long, and knows it, but doesn't really want to get off.

[–] porlhancock 16 years ago

I agree with fluffer. I've been a gigging/recording/performing muscian since I was about 18 (not to any great degree of sucess I might add) and this is the most accurate portrayal of how it feels to not get anywhere musically. That's why it's one of my favourite films of all time.
As a piece of cinema it's very very average, but as a portrayal of it's subject matter it's the most realistic thing I've ever seen.

[–] ghostofmrpalmer 16 years ago

At leaset in the field of acting, Art Garfunkle can finally run circles around Simon. Check out "Bad Timing", he's great and the movie is amazing. This movie, not so..

[–] phantom_tollbooth 16 years ago

I've not seen One Trick Pony or any of Art Garfunkel's films but I just wanted to say that Paul Simon was brilliant and absolutely hysterical in his small part in Annie Hall.

[–] monkehh 16 years ago

does anyone know where i can find this movie on LASERDISC?

[–] Jem333 15 years ago

The film has Finally (as of 2 months ago) been released on DVD - available at amazon and probably many other places.

I liked Paul Simon's performance and he needed to play the lead so he could play his music as that character. I didn't think of his performance as "acting;" he just appeared so natural as an unsuccessful version of himself.

I LOVE this film for its portrayal of the music biz (especially Lou Reed as a meddlesome producer), and also its excellent humorous interludes, courtesy of Rip Torn, the late great Joan Hackett, Alan Garfield (the hook! the hook! ) and of course Simon's script.

[–] sdc100 12 years ago

I don't know if you're still looking for a LaserDisc since the movie is now available on DVD but if you are, and are willing to pay a premium, here you go:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Laserdisc-/381/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=one+trick+pony