Watch Simple Men

Simple Men is a 1992 independent movie directed by Hal Hartley, starring Robert John Burke, Bill Sage, Martin Donovan, and Karen Sillas. The movie tells the story of two brothers, Bill and Dennis, who set out to find their estranged father, a radical political activist, after their mother passes away. The two brothers are very different, with Bill being an aimless and romantic dreamer, and Dennis being a practical and cynical criminal. They both embark on a journey that will test their beliefs, relationships, and outlook on life.

The movie is set in New York City, and it has a certain quirky and offbeat feel to it that is characteristic of Hal Hartley's films. The dialogue is stylized and poetic, and the characters are eccentric and unpredictable. The actors deliver their lines with deadpan humor and an understated intensity that adds to the film's charm.

The two brothers meet several interesting characters during their journey, including a beautiful and mysterious woman named Kate, played by Elina Löwensohn, who becomes romantically involved with Bill. They also encounter a group of tough and ideological criminals who are planning a robbery. The plot of the movie is not particularly complex, but it's the characters' interactions and the dialogue that keep the audience engaged.

Robert John Burke delivers a standout performance as Bill, a man who is searching for meaning in life and who is constantly fascinated by the people and experiences he encounters. His character is somewhat naïve and idealistic, but he is also charming and likable. Bill Sage gives a solid performance as Dennis, the more grounded and pragmatic brother who is initially reluctant to go on the journey with Bill. Martin Donovan plays a supporting role as the brothers' father, who has abandoned them to pursue his political agenda.

Simple Men is a movie about family, identity, love, and politics, but it's also a movie about the search for meaning and purpose in life. The film's themes are explored through the eccentric and flawed characters that populate the story. The movie has a certain melancholic and reflective quality to it, but it's also full of humor and wit.

One of the strengths of Simple Men is the way it captures the essence of New York City. The movie was filmed on location in various neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and it showcases the city's diversity and vitality. The characters move through different environments, from seedy bars to luxurious hotels, and each location is vividly rendered. The movie also features a memorable soundtrack, with songs by Sonic Youth, Tom Waits, and PJ Harvey, among others.

Overall, Simple Men is a charming and engaging movie that showcases Hal Hartley's unique vision and style. The movie is not for everyone, as it's somewhat slow-paced and stylized, but it's a film that rewards patience and attention. The characters and the dialogue are the movie's main strengths, and they create a distinctive and memorable universe that is both funny and moving. Simple Men is a great example of independent cinema from the 1990s, and it's a movie that deserves to be rediscovered by audiences today.

Simple Men is a 1992 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.