Great Movie: ''Planes, Trains, And Automobiles''

It is a shame that they never made another movie together. Their energy and talent magically clicked in this film. They were such strong comedians that they were often overlooked as genuine serious dramatic actors. Comedians always get the short end of respect for their performing skills. It looks easy and natural, therefore, it doesn't require serious effort. But, Steve Martin and John Candy--- in his all too short life--- proved in ''Planes, Trains, and Automobiles'' that they could successfully walk that tightrope of comedy and pathos..... This film usually does not show up on any ''Great Movies'' list by so-called film scholars. Look at any of those lists--- which do not mean a thing because they are reflecting the author's opinion--- and, this film is missing from them all [ except for the great Roger Ebert ]. Again, it is the dismissal of comedy and comedians. A film about the Holocaust, or, any serious themed film, will get noticed first. Fine, it is a noteworthy subject to be seen by the filmgoer. However, comedy gets us through life. We have enough heartbreak and setbacks in our everyday life. Comedy is our vacation from reality for a few short hours. Comedians are our guide into this world. And, Martin and Candy sure guided us to Comedy Heaven... The film has a simple premise. A frantic businessman, played by Steve Martin, is trying to get home to his family in Chicago over the Thanksgiving weekend. In the course of his attempts to go home he comes across a friendly oaf of a traveling salesman who sells shower rings, played by John Candy. At first, they try to fly home, but, Chicago is being socked by a snowstorm, so, that makes flying impossible. They are stranded in various parts of the Midwest in various bizarre and hilarious circumstances. If you have never seen the film I will not play spoiler with the surprises, but, I will say my favorite scene involves a late night ride to a ''Psycho''-type hotel with some frightening, ghoulish people around there. All this madness, wonderfully created by writer-director John Hughes, fits into the gifted performing skills of Martin and Candy. That helps, because in comedy, if you do not have a believable scenario to put your actors in, then the movie can go off the rails into performing schtick that will ruin a movie. Robin Williams is guilty of this a lot. Many of his comedies seem to be an extension of his stand-up routines. But, Hughes and Martin and Candy are too smart to let this happen. Having people behaving normally in an abnormal situation is the key to comedy.... Behind the many laugh out loud moments comes an understanding of human behavior. For much of the movie, Martin is annoyed and bothered by this stranger. He cannot shake this person. Steve Martin's character is a man who doesn't want to meet strangers. He avoids intimacy outside his family. He is a closed shell, quite standoffish. That is why he growls to himself about the John Candy character. Candy brings energy and earnestness to the role of Del. Del is a good man who loves his wife and wants people to like him. Martin's role of Neal just wants to be left alone. That creates the sparks that fly between them. In the single best scene in the movie, about a third of the way through the movie, Martin unloads on Candy for his endless stories and talking. Why not have a point, Neal states, because it makes it so much more interesting for the listener. The speech, superbly played by both actors, starts out as mildly amusing, but, quickly, it turns down a dark path to cruelty. Martin really lets Candy have it putting him down. Even though there is some truth to what Martin is saying, our sympathy as an audience shifts to Candy. He suffers visibly during this speech, as the riot act is read to him. He is silent while Martin/ Neal cuts him up like cat food. The hurt and anguish on his face is heartbreaking. We feel for this man and his emotions. A less skilled comedian-- or, serious actor--- might have milked the moment. John Candy plays it just right. He just listens, but, we can read his feelings clearly. From this moment on, both Martin, and the audience, view this man's easily injured pride. He is vulnerable and we silently wish that Martin will not do this again to this meek lamb. John Candy has his finest screen moment during this scene. And, Steve Martin plays this scene just brilliantly also, because after his onslaught we realise he did not really mean to hurt him. He has just learned a lesson about a human he will not repeat. It would be very easy for the audience to turn off the character of Neal-- and Steve Martin playing him--- if Martin did not rescue the role in the following scene. It is the celebrated and hilarious ''those aren't pillows!'' moment. In a matter of a few moments, the film effortlessly goes from drama to comedy. Good writing and acting bring this off.... The rest of the movie is pure joy watching funny events done by experts. Once again, I want to keep these moments quiet for those who have never seen the film. The resolution, which the big secret is revealed, is pretty much figured out by the audience before the actors get there. But, it works, and, it allows these genius talents to rise to their gifts as actors. The final scene, with Steve Martin and his family, is touching. We see the loving Neal by his joy at seeing his family. And, John Candy has the look on his face, that, maybe, we the audience, also have. The look of contentment and happiness of a man and his family. The final shot is of Candy, with the music swelling. It is sweet, simple, and completely natural to the story.... The film came out in 1987 and immediately was embraced by the public and critics. It has now become required viewing around the holidays. Both actors did movies afterwords and had hoped to work together again. That plan ended with John Candy dying in 1994..... Steve Martin has carved out a career of quality work, with only a few missteps along the way. He is a treasure, this man. He writes screenplays, books, and plays. He also plays his beloved banjo. Those of us who grew up in the 70's remember that banjo fondly from his great comedy albums. His career spans decades and we are the beneficiaries of this gift. He is always welcome on a screen..... John Candy, God Bless Him, was short changed in his movie career. This movie, and a scant few others, were noteworthy, but, for some reason, this great talent was used badly by Hollywood when it came to good films and roles. His range and talent were never really brought out in film, like they were in his work on the t.v show ''SCTV''. He always seemed to be the best thing in mediocre movies. That is ok, for he always brought a smile and laugh to his audience. It is too bad that the movies missed the essence of this man. That is why this movie stands out. His skills here meshed perfectly with Steve Martin and John Hughes...... I have read a lot about both men. A fan like me does this. Obviously,  my impressions are based on other people's impressions who were close to them. Steve Martin has the reputation of a very shy, serious man, who is very loyal to his friends. John Candy had the same qualities, but, also a sadness to him, say people who were close to him. A man with a ready laugh who may be crying on the inside. The sad clown. If true, then that scene of him looking sad and hurt may have expressed more of the man than we might have imagined......