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Manglehorn is a 2014 American drama film Directed by David Gordon Green and starring Al Pacino, Holly Hunter and Harmony Korine. The movie follows the story of a retired small-town locksmith named A.J. Manglehorn who is still grappling with the consequences of a tragic experience in his past. A loner by nature, he spends most of his time looking after his cat Fanny and writing letters to a long-lost love. When a new woman named Dawn enters his life, Manglehorn is initially hesitant to let her in, but finds himself drawn to her as he tries to navigate the complexities of human connection.

The film begins with a jarring image of a mangy cat growling at the camera, setting a tone of unease that persists throughout. Manglehorn is established as a solitary figure, spending his days working as a locksmith and his evenings alone at home with Fanny. His past is hinted at through a series of flashbacks and voiceover, revealing that he had a son who died at a young age and a failed relationship with a woman named Clara. Manglehorn's grief has consumed him to the point where he has trouble connecting with anyone, including his adult daughter who is getting married and wants him to be a part of her life again.

Into this isolated existence comes Dawn, a kind-hearted bank teller who Manglehorn meets while depositing checks. Holly Hunter gives a warm and nuanced performance as Dawn, who sees something in Manglehorn that he doesn't see in himself. Their relationship is tentative at first, as Manglehorn is reluctant to open up to anyone, but slowly he begins to let his guard down. Their scenes together are muted and poignant, with both actors conveying a sense of yearning and regret.

Meanwhile, Manglehorn's interactions with the other people in his life give glimpses into the kind of man he used to be. He has a strained relationship with his grown-up granddaughter who he sees occasionally, and a fondness for a prostitute named Gary who he visits regularly. Their conversations are frank and often funny, with Korine bringing his trademark deadpan delivery to the role of Gary.

Throughout the movie, there are scenes of Manglehorn wandering the streets of his town, observing the world around him. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, with shots of dilapidated buildings and neon signs juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the Texas countryside. The score by composers Explosions in the Sky adds to the dreamlike quality of the movie, with haunting guitar melodies underscoring the emotional undercurrents of the story.

As Manglehorn's relationship with Dawn deepens, he finds himself forced to confront the demons of his past. His interactions with his estranged daughter are fraught with tension and resentment, and a chance encounter with Clara dredges up painful memories. As the movie reaches its climax, Manglehorn's emotional walls finally begin to crumble, leading to a cathartic release of pent-up grief and regret.

Manglehorn is a quiet and contemplative movie that will not be for everyone. It is a slow-burning character study that favours understated performances over grand theatrics. The film is anchored by Al Pacino's poignant portrayal of a man grappling with loss and regret, and supported by a strong cast who bring depth and nuance to their roles. While the movie may be too muted and abstract for some viewers, it is a haunting and emotionally resonant work that rewards careful attention.

Manglehorn is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 56.