This film has a casual indie feel about it and features excellent performances by Paul Le Mat, Mary Steenburgen and Jason Robards in a superb cameo as Howard Hughes. Demme's direction, although it feels casual, is artful and effective.

The ending's not much. It's like a road trip where getting there is fun, but arriving is a disappointment.

Based on a crazy, true story, Melvin and Howard has Jonathan Demme doing what he does best, I think: showing us America through the eyes of his unique characters. Paul Le Mat may not be popular but he's excellent and Mary Steenburgen is very good and the screenplay is great. But Jason Robards as Howard Hughes is probably the most impressive thing in the whole picture.

82.000

Demme depicts the struggles of Melvin Dummar's life with an honest but understanding approach. The resulting film is recognizably Demme, rich in unconventional details and telling moments. Mary Steenburgen won an Oscar for playing one of Melvin's wives, but it's fellow nominee Jason Robards who's most impressive as the ragged Hughes. With one prolonged scene in a pickup truck, Robards delivers a master class in building a character.

A good enough movie, but not really special.

Very good.