As far as "message" movies go, "A Patch of Blue" is blessed with some great talents that overcome the predictable, over-the-top story. The photography is quite gorgeous, and the cast is pretty amazing. The revelation of this movie is Elizabeth Hartman, in her very first film role. As a blind girl, she's totally convincing. Her wonderful heart will break yours. She brings an innocence that never descends into childishness (a la Emily Watson in "Breaking The Waves"). The scene where she's alone in the apartment is chillingly real. The sense of entrapment she expresses is understandable on every level. Poitier's performance is one of his best, showing tenderness but never getting too melodramatic. Just as Hartman never acts like a child, Poitier never treats her like one. Shelley Winters is fearlessly nasty and evil as Hartman's mom. She truly is a monster. This is a great film.
Review of A Patch of Blue
