The subject of human flight has been explored by filmmakers in several imaginative pictures, including Robert Altman's BREWSTER McCLOUD (1970) and Alan Parker's BIRDY (1984). THE BOY WHO COULD FLY is another variation on this idea, presented as a gentle and often-touching evocation of
adolescent pains and joys. As the film opens, the recently widowed Charlene (Bonnie Bedelia) has moved into a new home with her 15-year-old daughter, Milly (Lucy Deakins), and 8-year-old son, Louis (Fred Savage). As the family struggles to adjust to the new surroundings, Milly becomes friendly
with her autistic neighbor (Jay Underwood), a boy who believes he can fly.
Rich in many respects, THE BOY WHO COULD FLY is that rare sort of film that appeals to both adults and children without taking any feelings or perceptions for granted. Castle, directing from his own script, delicately interweaves the story's dark and light elements, letting things develop
naturally. He builds his story on small, everyday experiences, wisely keeping many of his characters' major life crises off screen. The moments of fantasy are slowly worked into the story, carefully blended with the realistic elements and thus all the more believable. Special effects, although
necessary, are kept to a minimum. This is a strikingly original story about human feelings. leave a comment
