The Great Santini

Hard-nosed military pilot Robert Duvall (Oscar-nominated in the title role) is a nut of epic proportions as he abuses his wife (Blythe Danner) and four kids (led by Oscar-nominee Michael O'Keefe) with verbal outbursts, bully-style antics and cruel behavior. Duvall's over-the-top role is an intensely interesting and volatile character who is full of fire, but also strangely sympathetic and dare I say even likable. The movie takes place just before the Vietnam years and keeps up an intensity because of the events going on in the world around them. Also O'Keefe gets into all kinds of trouble as a high schooler in the newest town the group has moved to. The relationship between Duvall and O'Keefe is the primary focus and the rest of the project is really just window dressing. Duvall is a revelation once again and he is able to keep everything believable and coherent. 4 stars out of 5.

I've seen Robert Duvall in other movies. He is a quiet, wise, somewhat reverent man. Being a fan of his, I caught "The Great Santini" on TV. And I gotta tell you, his performance as Bull Meechum just blew the hell out of me! I never knew he could play a role as fierce, violent, and powerful as Bull Meechum! Although it's a film with little attention, it's Robert Duvall best film! It's his best performance. The conflict between the father and the son is strong enough to wildly shake our emotions! Duvall was nominated for Best Actor, and he should've won! It's a must see! I tried purchasing it, but since it's not in high demand, the store didn't have it. It's worth owning, and it's definitely worth watching! Put it on your list of films to see next!

I have not seen this film in over 20 years, but having been in the Marines, it will always be burned in my memory. You may also have to be, or have been, a Marine to fully appreciate the film (although anyone that has lived under authoritarian rule must feel some sympathy for the situations presented).

Although the film may have been re-cut for video release, I remember Duvall's character as being a fully fleshed out dichotomy of a man who rebelled against authority when submission was called for (his practical jokes while performing military duties) and invoking authoritarianism when more compassion and understanding were called for (his family life).

This is what it was like to be a Marine: The Corps was your family and your family was just an inconvenient duty to be performed for society.

If the movie has been re-edited, I suggest you try to see the original theatrical release, if possible. I found it to be a thoughtful and powerful motion picture.

This film is one of the finest ever made, in my humble opinion, and the greatest display of Robert Duval's acting abilities. This film is powerful and moving. An "era" piece, it's message resounds regardless.

The cinematography is beautifully done. The acting is top notch. The scenes between Metchum and his son are the most riveting, of course but the scenes between the son and mother are also quite touching and tender, and contrast wonderfully with the other scenes. And while this is a gripping drama, with very well acted round characters, there is humor too, and handled brilliantly.

Truly every movie library should have this film in it's collection.

I could not stand to read Pat Conroy's book because it upset me so much. The critics who reviewed it said that Colonel Wilbur "Bull" Meechum is the man that you will hate to love but you will. Hogwash! I hated him from the very beginning. Bull Mecham was a monster just like Loren Singer was on JAG. He was a great Marine, but a rotten person, husband and father. I don't know if people realize this or not, but Pat Conroy based the character on his father. I have always wanted to write a book and thought it would be a fun experience, however I pity Pat Conroy. This man is one of our finest authors and a true master with the English language, but I'll bet he has never enjoyed writing any of his books because they deal with the pain of his life and growing up in an abusive family with a father who was much, much worse then Bull Mecham! Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner and Michael O'Keefe as Ben all give wonderful performances. O'Keefe was nominated for an Academy Award as best supporting actor for his fine work. I think it is unfair that people think of Danner only as Gwenyth Paltrow's mom because she is a great actress in her own right! I felt so sorry for Lillian and the terrible burden she had to bear with this rotten SON OF A BITCH!!!!Robert Duvall made Mecham a complex character. There were scenes where he was portrayed as caring about his kids. However, I want to tell you something that Pat Conroy wrote in his latest book A Losing Season. He said that when he wrote The Great Santini, he by no means told the truth about his father! Donald Conroy was a monster. He said that his father still haunts his every waking moment. In Fact when his mother finally divorced his father on the grounds of extreme cruelty, she gave the judge at trial a copy of her sons book and said that was how his father really was! I could not stand to watch this movie.