I like modern films, but find that they often get bogged down in convoluted themes and kitchen sink dysfunction. Isn't anyone normal in the movies any more? I like to go back and watch older films to enjoy the art of simplicity. Bang the Drum Slowly isn't necessarily original, but it is an enjoyable story.
Henry Wiggen (Michael Moriarty) is an all-star pitcher. He spends the off-season with his catcher, Bruce Pearson (Robert De Niro) who has been diagnosed with Hodgkins disease. Henry's sharp wit is matched by Bruce's dullness. Bruce doesn't play baseball like a thinking man, which makes him below average. Henry manages to keep Bruce from being sent to the minor leagues by structuring his contract to keep Bruce on the roster. However, his attempts to keep Bruce's illness secret aren't very successful.
The coach, Dutch Snell (Vincent Gardenia) is a colorful man. He realizes something is wrong and persists in his inquiries. In the meantime, while Bruce is improving his game, the other players are not working together as a team. They have the talent to win, but their lack of teamwork keeps them from holding a lead. As word of Bruce's illness leaks out to the team, they slowly coalesce around their dying catcher. The quiet, simple catcher achieves what Coach Snell couldn't, getting individuals to become a team.
Bang the Drum Slowly was not unique. Sports films are often buddy films. The disease element wasn't unique, either. But that does not mean the film wasn't done well. The film was interesting in its approach to the subject, with characters that were colorful, if not believable. The dialogue was interesting and the ending worth the wait. It wasn't dramatic, opting for a subdued but credible ending. <
I liked De Niro, who was surprisingly good as a half-wit. His country accent was pretty good, as well. Moriarty was okay, but a little bit stiff at times. I have seen much better coach performances, but Vincent Gardenia isn't the worst, either. He lacks some of the charisma I have seen from coaches in other films, but somehow it works. The cast had several familiar names, but De Niro was the only stand out performance in this film.
Films like Brian's Song or The Express combine the elements of sports and terminal illness. I thought of the older film, as well as the newer film, while watching Bang the Drum Slowly. Both of the films I called to mind were superior to this one, partly because they felt more developed and more likely because they were based on true stories. The impact of those stories will linger, while Bang the Drum Slowly tells an interesting, simple story that was enjoyable to watch, but lacks the lasting effect of the others.
I enjoyed Bang the Drum Slowly, but probably would not watch it a second time like I would Brian's Song and The Express. It was an interesting story that wasn't muddled with a bunch of dysfunctional characters and ridiculous sub-plots. The film didn't use contrivance or stretch the imagination. It was a simple tale of friendship and teamwork. There is something refreshing in its effortlessness. While it was not perfect, it had a couple of strong performances, interesting characters and an uncomplicated but endearing story. 6.5/10
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