John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson give outstanding performances in "A Love Song for Bobby Long," Shainee Gabel's directorial debut. This movie demonstrates superb acting talent and a great storyline. It is based on a novel by Ronald Everett Capps. Capps' son Grayson writes and performs some of the music for the movie.
Pursy Will (Johansson) returns to New Orleans when her estranged mother, Lorraine, dies. When she arrives at her childhood home, she meets Bobby Long (Travolta), a broken-down literature professor, and Lawson Pines (Gabriel Macht), Long's former teaching assistant. These two aren't the stereotypical intellectuals, frequently drinking and chatting with lower-class folks. Bobby sings and plays the guitar and Lawson keeps trying to write a novel about Bobby.
As part of Lorraine's will, the three are forced to live together in a dilapidated shack. At first, Bobby and Pursy can't stand one another. But as the months go by, they learn to appreciate their differences. In fact, Bobby, Pursy and Lawson develop a very close bond because of Lorraine. In addition, Pursy learns more about her mother and the life she had. Along with this, secrets are revealed, but ultimately these three characters realize that they are connected much more than they thought.
Literature majors should be prepared - Travolta's dialogue includes quotes from authors like T.S. Eliot, John Steinbeck and Robert Frost. Bobby speaks with extraordinary passion, showing that his mind is still sharp, despite his alcoholism.
The relationship between Pursy and Bobby is fascinating. It becomes a typical father-daughter relationship that provides both humor and drama.
Johansson excels as a young woman who learns not only about a mother, but also about herself and life. Her transformation in the film from a high school dropout to future college student is nothing short of amazing. Also the potential romance between her and Lawson gives the movie additional emotion.
It is a huge shock that this film wasn't nominated for an Oscar, whether for best picture director, actor or actress, because the story and acting make it worthy of the honor.
"A Love Song for Bobby Long" should definitely be a movie on the must see list, if only for the mere presence of quality acting from two great actors as well as a storyline that really touches your heart.
