Paper Moon (1973)

Paper Moon (1973) – Timeless 70s Classic brimming with Charm

Paper Moon (1973) – 8.5/10 – Timeless 70s Classic brimming with Charm

‘Paper Moon’ is a crime drama comedy from the 70s, filmed in black-and-white to recreate the 1930s Great Depression era. This film is brimming with so much charm that it snatches your heart. A con man, Moze Pray (Ryan O’Neal), is called to the funeral of a woman he once had an affair with. The woman had left behind her 9-year-old daughter, Addie Loggins (Tatum O’Neal), who was now being adopted by her aunt in Missouri. Moze agrees to drop Addie off at her aunt’s on his way. Addie suspects this strange, goofy man might be her father, deduced from their similar facial features and mannerisms. However, the truth is unknown whether they are truly father and daughter. Moze attempts to cheat Addie out of her $200, but she catches on to what is happening. To raise the $200 owed her, she forces him into a partnership, where she would pose as his daughter facing hardships together. The two ride through Kansas, swindling as many people as they can on the way. Who would dare mess with a cute, prissy little princess?

I found this film fresh and a joy to watch. The cinematography, directing, script, soundtrack, and acting are a treat. As you might gather from the names, Ryan O’Neal and Tatum O’Neal are real-life father and daughter, which might be a big reason for the natural chemistry and ease they have working together. That was probably why director Bogdanovich hired them as a duo, and I speculate it was intentional to imply that Moze and Addie are father and daughter. I think the conning is just a side story as the two come together. The soundtrack stays true to the 1930s, and it’s a delight to hear music that captures the era. I liked the overall acting, which helped to bring out the story’s sentimental feel. She was natural and fantastic in every scene. I believe she was the lead of this film. I enjoyed the comedic bits. For instance, Addie would often smoke a cigarette from Moze. Although it was common for kids to smoke in the 1930s, I don’t know if someone as young as nine would have been smoking. It still adds humor to the character.

A few interesting tidbits. Bogdanovich consulted the legendary Orson Welles, and he suggested shooting this film in black and white with a red camera filter for the proper feel. Little ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal won an Oscar for Best Actress in Supporting Role and is the youngest Oscar recipient in history. Bogdanovich later said it should have been the Best Actress in Leading Role, which I agree with. Tatum’s character smokes cigarettes in the film, which are actually made of lettuce. Bogdanovich later said that working with child actress Tatum often required fifty retakes for a single shot.

Would I recommend this? Yes, yes, yes! I can’t say enough about this comedy film. It’s a simple but timeless film that captures the charm of childhood. Sometimes, you just want simplicity that allows you to sit back and enjoy the experience without having to think.

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