The Majestic

Plot synopsis:
In 1951 in the midst of the Second Red Scare, Peter Appleton is an up-and-coming young screenwriter in Hollywood. He learns from studio lawyer Leo Kubelsky and his own attorney Kevin Bannerman that he has been accused of being a Communist because he attended an antiwar meeting in his college years, a meeting he claims he only attended to impress a girl. In an instant, his new film Ashes to Ashes is pushed back for a few months, the credit is given to someone else, his movie star girlfriend Sandra Sinclair leaves him, and his contract with the studio is dropped. Peter gets drunk and goes for a drive up the coast where he accidentally drives his car off a bridge to avoid an opossum.
He comes to on an ocean beach experiencing amnesia. He is found by Stan Keller who helps him to the nearby town of Lawson, California and the local doctor named Doc Stanton to tend to his wounds. As the town welcomes him, Harry Trimble arrives and believes Peter to be his son Luke who went MIA during World War II seven years ago. Due to his amnesia, Peter accepts himself being treated as Luke by the rest of the town led by Mayor Ernie Cole as Sheriff Cecil Coleman tells Doc to "tell her slowly." Peter warms up to the town including getting to know Harry and Luke's girlfriend Adele Stanton who is Doc's daughter.
Peter adjusts to the new life and helps to renovate the Majestic, a movie theater that had been shut down due to hard times. Bob Leffert, a veteran of the war that knew Luke, does not believe Peter is Luke and fears Peter may be setting the town up for heartbreak given they had lost sixty other young men during the war. Despite this, Peter helps to restore the theater, invigorate the town, and encourages Mayor Cole to display a memorial commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after the war that the town did not previously have the heart to display. Meanwhile, Peter's disappearance leads Congressional committee member Elvin Clyde to believe Peter is a Communist and he sends two Federal Agents to California to search for him.
Peter recovers from his amnesia when the Majestic shows Sand Pirates of the Sahara just as Harry suffers from a near-fatal heart attack before the reel change. Doc reports Harry's time is short and Peter cannot come to admit the truth allowing Harry to die believing he is Luke.
After the funeral, Peter admits the truth to Adele, who had already suspected it, and supports his decision to tell the rest of town. Before he can do so, Federal Agents Ellery and Saunders as well as Leo and some police officers arrive. When Sheriff Coleman asks if they need any help with anything, the Federal Agents give Peter a summons to appear before Congressional committee in Los Angeles. During their meeting, Leo advises Peter to agree to reveal a list of other named "communists" as to clear his own name. Peter has an argument with Adele over this decision and she gives him a letter she had gotten from Luke.
On the train station, Peter reads the letter which contains both Luke's awareness he might die in the war for a real cause, as well as a pocket-sized version of the U.S. Constitution. Peter changes his mind at the session which is watched by all of Lawson and confronts Congressman Doyle during the televised session. Peter gives an impassioned speech about American ideals, which sways the crowd and forces the lawmakers to let him go free. As Peter discusses the result with Kevin, he learns that the girl he met in college was the one that had named him to the committee.
Peter attempts to return to his former career, but finds he cannot deal with the ridiculousness of their ideas and leaves Hollywood. Peter instead returns to Lawson fearing an unwelcome reception. Instead, he receives a hero's welcome from the town's citizens who have come to respect him as an individual. Peter then resumes ownership and management of The Majestic, he gets married to Adele, and the two have a son together.

Tags: romantic, boring, flashback

Review:
I always felt he had a bright future ahead of him,as talented as the man is.I very much looked forward to the man's film career beginning, but sadly,at least for me anyway,his big screen efforts have left a lot to be desired.Most of Carrey's films have been ridden with oversexed dialog and toilet humor.Finally,a much more toned down Carrey gives me something to smile about.His efforts in The Majestic are simply amazing.
The slapstick humor is put aside,very delicately,and what we have is a very appealing fictional story,with Carrey making an excellent romantic and dramatic lead.If you go into the watching of this film looking for the outrageous hairdo of Ace Ventura,the hideous green mask,or anything of the like from his previous films,this will be a big disappointment to you,but if you go into it with an open mind about what he can accomplish dramatically,you will be most pleased.Things are looking up for Jim Carrey.Also,Martin Landau is great as always in a supporting role.Thumbs up!.
A film-writer accused of being a communist loses his memory in an auto accident and ends up in a small town where he is thought to be a missing-in-action World War II hero..
Jim Carey plays such a caring role and his relationship with Harry is so warm and believable.The way he gets the town to rally around the Majestic is fun and wonderful.
The story (a man with amnesia is seen as a long lost son in a small town) is not that special, but it has some nice things to avoid the bigger cliches.
Like most people I know, I've seen Jim Carey preform in movies where the writers expected him to have a warped sense of humor or outlook on life, or a zany personality - or both.
He is content to live surrounded by people who admire him, Luke's girlfriend Adele, and work in the Majestic movie theater, unaware that he has both another life and a government agency waiting to catch up to him.
What I ended up with was an absolute gem of a film, from the quietly emotional performance of Martin Landau to the very restrained yet brilliant portrayal offered by Jim Carrey, every actor was cast to perfection and as the film moves gently along it takes you on an ultimately uplifting journey.
I would recommend this film to anyone who is bored of the constant stream of action blockbusters or who has never seen Jim Carrey do anything other than gurn his way through a film, if only more of his performances were laced with the kind of down to earth humanity he shows in this picture our perception of him as an actor would be quite different, my only complaint is that it took me 8 years to find this film but all good things come to those who wait I suppose:-) Do yourselves a favour, find a copy of this film, open a bottle of wine and sit back with someone you care about and just let it wash over you like a soft breeze on a summers day..
Jim Carrey plays a writer who has all he needs,a good job he (thinks)loves,money,a relationship ( an honest one,he thinks!),good (he believes)social life and friends..and than-out of nowhere,he loses all of it.In his lucky case he suffered from amnesia.But he still went for love and real happiness instead of (like today's..)money and the illusion of happiness after he found out who he really is.
In their promotional ads on television, Jim Carrey said that he wanted to be a part of something special, that would leave you to walk out of the theater and feel better about life.
When I think back on the movie, the only thing that comes to mind, is 'Wow' and a smile.It is a beautiful film, and one that I will cherish, and as soon as possible, bring into my home as a permanent addition..
With a very slow-paced and a lengthy, this movie will simply not be enjoying by everyone, but to me this is - Very Good Movie.Set in 1950's, a screen writer Peter Appleton (Jim Carry) accused of being a communize and at the same time met with car accident which lead him no memory of himself before being mistaken as the long lost son of a man in the small town.The story follows Jim and how he built relationship with the town (He now thought that he is Luke, a local soldier missing 9 years ago in the wars) and his dad and girlfriend to rebuilt The Majestic, the movie theater; while the police are trying to hunt him as thought he was communize fugitive.This movie Jim makes it damn good and damn convincing as you have seen him in The Truman Show that you wouldn't see any comedy side of him in here.
Unlike some early reviewers, I wasn't surprised that Jim Carrey could do a dramatic role, as I'd seen a very early film of his, "Doin' Time on Maple Drive," as well as "The Truman Show" and "Man in the Moon." This film is directed by Frank Darabont, who has directed two wonderful films I've seen - The Green Mile and Shawshank Redemption.
Luke's grief-stricken father Harry (Martin Landau), having not seen his son for some years, accepts Peter as Luke, and Peter believes that's his identity.The town is excited that Luke is back, and Harry decides to bring back his movie theater, the Majestic, to its former glory with Luke's help.
Jim Carrey is marvelous as an ambitious young man who finds his heart in Lawson; Martin Landau gives a magnificent performance as Harry, a man who finds a new lease on life.The Majestic stands as a symbol of a time when we walked into glamorous theaters to attend movies; when we sat wide-eyed in the dark; when films were more of a family affair; when life was more high touch than high tech; and when a person's principles and integrity were more important than anything else.
I never thought of Jim Carrey as a romantic actor, but I fell in love with him after seeing 'The Majestic,' I wish he would make more of this kind of movie.
I do enjoy films with an historical background, and I think 'The Majestic' introduces a new generation to the Hollywood Blacklist and the army-McCarthy hearings, which were aired on live TV when they were happening.
However, if you would like to see a warm, romantic Jim Carrey, you will love 'The Majestic.'.
His story has been filmed and is screening at the theatres, the love of the life is an actress casted in the movie, he has one more work in the pipeline, so everything seemed to be going for him.
Until he was accused of being a Communist by Congress, and his entire love and work life turns upside down.While on a drunken stupor, Peter meets with an accident, loses his memory and ends up in the small town of Lawson, California.
Perhaps it is this sequence of restoration running in parallel with the rekindling romance between Peter/Luke and Adele that is my favourite in this movie.But like a fairy tale, all good things must come to an end, and Peter/Luke eventually rediscovered who he was when he chanced upon his own movie being screened at The Majestic.
The Majestic was over looked in the theater, and that is a real shame because not too many movies deal with the kind of courage that it deals with broadly in this film.
Jim Carrey really Shows great dramatic chops, Martin Landau is great as always, and should have gotten an Oscar nomination for his role, and Laurie Holden gives a great performance and holds her own with the boys.
Some of the Shaw shank cast - e.g. James Whitmore (Brooks), 83 years old  - have fine supporting roles, the Darabont fans will love this.And when you think the story is over, it actually just begins; Like in 'Mr Smith goes to Washington', Jim Carrey stands up for his rights, and thereby defies the jury that wants to burn him as a communist, as communists needed to be burned at that moment in time.As in all great Hollywood movies, happy endings are a must.
I was pleasantly surprised by Jim Carrey's performance and look forward to seeing him in more movies of this type.
If you want to see Rubberface goofing around making artless observations about bathroom habits then go watch Ace Ventura or The Mask, or something equally subhumorous...this is not the movie for you.Here, Carrey actually acts, and by the way, he's really good at it.
You feel the impact in the heart more than the head.In the best role of his career, Martin Landau takes one look at Jim Carrey, and sees his only son Luke, missing in action and presumed dead for 9 and a half years.
These scenes in their audacity make this movie, and in spite of all the heavy drama, there are a few very funny moments.The Majestic is the summa theologica of Frank Darabont, the man responsible for good films such as The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.
Most people that I suggest this film to usually come back with "Jim Carrey, I don't think so".
Jim Carrey simply shows the GREAT actor he is, it was about time he received roles and direction like this, he is among the greatest now.
Well, part of the problem is the fact that the Hollywood film makers still underestimate their audience.Ironically, the same throwing together of plots and story lines which is shown at the beginning and the end of The Majestic is precisely what has happened here: throw in a large dose of heart-felt drama, wonderful romance, characteristic characters with a heart of gold, a hero without unforgivable faults and the hook-handed odd one out who at the end belongs to the gold-hearted bunch after all.
But a lot of people liked the movie, so this has to be one of the best examples of how Americans excel in the art of brainwashing themselves.Unfortunately a good comedian; Jim Carrey; seems inclined to follow the path of other comedians such as Robin Williams, who went from being incredibly talented and funny comedians to being pathetically melodramatic actors.
The Truman Show and this, The Majestic, are excellent movies with terrific performances from Carrey.
While Kapraesque (is there such a word?) the film stands up as its own take on life and identity, while taking a swipe at the McCarthy era.Martin Landau gives his usual solid performance and the script and music are both great.
Jim Carrey did an outstanding job of showing what a diverse actor he is...and the rest of the cast made you feel like you have known them for years.I give "The Majestic" two thumbs up!Thank you!.
The conversation brought this movie to mind and, thanks to Netflix, now I can be satisfied - Jim Carrey is truly the actor I was hoping he is.
This slipped through the usual glut of Hollywood movies, but it has so many facets, so much to say, combined with a delightful story and a wonderful cast to fill it out.Most people expect certain things from the headliner of this story, Jim Carrey, who's made a career of physical comedy with such favorites as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, but The Truman Show showed his true acting potential, giving a range that hasn't truly been seen yet.
Many agree that this might not be his best work but it certainly is up there.But while the lead actor is great in the role, Mr. Carrey couldn't have sold this if not for a story which, despite the time it's set in, still echoes in the present.
As Peter's would-be father Harry, Martin Landau brings the character to life, letting the viewer feel the pain Harry goes through, the joy when he thinks the son he lost in war has returned home, and the quiet peace in Harry's final scene.
Without the support of a great cast, The Majestic wouldn't have worked.In all, watch this once with an open mind and no preconceptions of the actors in it or the type of movie it is.
This is one movie I can never pass up watching, even though I know it by heart and have seen it hundreds of times already over the years.
I finally got to see this film tonight, long after its release, and as a big Jim Carrey fan, I was tremendously impressed with - and gratified by - his performance.
I think some people miss the point about this terrific movie, perhaps the best film I've seen Jim Carrey in.
The story could have lapsed into the banality we've seen before about a man who loses his memory, but what raises it above the average slop is the film's absolutely wonderful relationship between Carrey and Landau.
I enjoyed the film The Majestic, it created a good atmosphere of life in a small US town getting back on it's feet after World War 2 when many of it's young men were lost.The characters were well acted and typical of the time, with the Town Mayor, the Doctor, staff at the local Cafe/Diner.The restoration and the re-opening of the "Majestic" movie theater of the title will warm the hearts of lovers of picture palaces, although with TV coming along, (and shown in the film,) one wonders how long the Majestic survives after the film ends.The sub plot of the main character being suspected of communist activities bring back memories of how the US was so concerned about the communists at that time.Music is used a lot to create the atmosphere of 1951, although in one scene there is a dance to the music "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White", I thought this was released in the late 50's or early 60's, but I am probably wrong.The camera work was very acceptable with a lot of use made of shots where the characters are in the background but face the camera and just add to the effect of the scene.The sound was fine, and the stereo balance good, the voices coming from different speakers during a scene where the main character is recollecting events in his head comes over well.It's a nice light print with well balance color.
This was a great movie, carried to the top by mr Jim Carrey.
There was almost nothing about this movie that I liked, with one exception, which is the precise element that I believed beforehand might be problematic for me, that being Jim Carrey's performance.
Being a fan of the Shawshank Redemption, which I consider to be a fantastic movie, and of serious works with Jim Carrey, such as The Truman Show and Man on the moon, I put some high hopes on that one.
I absolutely love Jim Carrey as an actor, and generally I think he is good at picking his roles.
Overall a good film but much like "The Green Mile", "The Majestic" does not come close to the excellence of Darabont's "The Shawshank Redemption".
Jim Carrey wasn't bad, but it could've been better.This is from the director of Shawshank Redemption and Green Mile, which are two movies that I really enjoy.
Basically, I very much enjoyed this movie and would definitely recommend it, especially if you are a Jim Carrey fan..
No matter how many times I watch it, the movie still plays on my emotions.Although some people care little for Jim Carrey's comedy, I've always felt that his comedic talents were genuine.
Carrey's character, Peter Appleton is somewhat a mystery to the viewer and the story gives you a "what if" feeling throughout most of the movie that keeps you wondering which life is real.Especially since his passing, the great Martin Landau's performances in this movie will bring you to tears.
The result is a decent enough movie that will entertain (though not outright enthrall) audiences for the duration.For a basic plot summary, "The Majestic" tells the story of Peter Appleton (Carrey), a Hollywood writer run out of town by Red Scare McCarthyism.
Jim Carrey did a fantastic and believable job in his dramatic role as screenwriter Peter Appleton in this touching patriotic movie.
Perhaps the public did not believe that Jim Carrey could perform a movie role without being silly, comedic or vulgar.
If this is the first Jim Carrey film that you see, you would never know that he is a comedian.
He has just written his first film, he has a movie star of a girlfriend, and life is good.
Jim Carrey's 'father' played by Martin Landau is superb and the chemistry between them in the movie is very moving.
Jim Carrey proves he can be subtle and in this movie he really allows himself to open up and show a different heart felt side to him that's really inspired and moving.My only flaw is that at times it feels to mushy and the characters are to light hearted which is a little bit sickly sweet but this doesn't takeaway from the fact that this is a excellent, inspired film....
Every other movie staring Jim Carrey, no matter how serious, you could still see a little bit of Ace Ventura coming out.
Every other movie staring Jim Carrey, no matter how serious, you could still see a little bit of Ace Ventura coming out.
Peter Appleton (Jim) is a movie writer during the time of the communist witch-hunt and he gets black-listed, loses his memory and winds-up in this town in which he looks like a guy that was lost in the war.
Peter Appleton (Jim) is a movie writer during the time of the communist witch-hunt and he gets black-listed, loses his memory and winds-up in this town in which he looks like a guy that was lost in the war.
it's not the usual jim carrey movie (very little humor)...