The film is centered around the slightly twitchy (literally), but admirably moving, performance of Alan Arkin as John Singer, who moves to the town after his best friend, similarly afflicted, is institutionalized. Singer soon finds himself surrounded by a host of colorful characters, including Sondra Locke as Mick, the aforementioned troubled teen. Perhaps due to Singer's forced listening and silence-keeping skills, most of the characters end up spilling their innermost secrets to him. The entire focus of the film is one of isolation and abject melancholy, aided immeasurably by the expert performances of the then-unknown supporting cast, including Stacy Keach and Cicely Tyson.

Where the film may be found lacking is in the undeveloped motivations of some of the characters, notably Percy Rodriguez as one of the villains of the piece, as well as the generally episodic flow of the screenplay. The ending is particularly shocking and may seem to come out of nowhere on first viewing, but those who return to the film will find the denouement foreshadowed in various telling ways throughout.

Both Arkin and Locke received well-deserved Oscar nominations for their stellar work in the film, and Locke actually outshines Arkin with a natural, "un-actory" performance that captures those peculiar qualities of teenage angst and awkwardness perfectly. Mention must also be made of Dave Grusin's absolutely glorious score, including the heartbreakingly beautiful theme music which has gone on to a life outside of the film, and James Wong Howe's equally gorgeous color photography, which captures the grit and grittiness of the deep south.

The DVD

Video:
The 1.85:1 remastered image will be a revelation to anyone who has only seen this in its broadcast pan and scan or VHS incarnations. Colors are well saturated, with excellent contrast. There's still just a hint of graininess as befits its original theatrical look.

Sound:
The standard stereo soundtrack is well-realized, with excellent balance between dialogue and Grusin's exemplary underscore.

Extras:
The theatrical trailer is the only extra offered on this DVD release.

Final Thoughts:
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is an emotionally devastating examination of people unable to communicate, either because of a physical impairment or a psychological one. The film itself communicates this sad dysfunction with unusual eloquence and emotion. Highly recommended.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet