Harvey

Harvey 15/07/11

Director: Henry Koster            Writer: Mary Chase

1950

            From the outset of Harvey we know the Elwood P. Dowd is a strange fellow. But really this has nothing to do with his imaginary friend Harvey; he is strange to us because he genuinely believes that “Every day is a beautiful day”. Does anybody in the real world actually feel like that? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

            I certainly regard this as a beautiful film, though simple and uncomplicated in composition I like small touches such as shots having Harvey in the frame despite his invisibility. It seems quietly rebellious from what I expect a Hollywood production from that era to be, with its quiet and docile protagonist who is friends with ex-criminals, depicted as alcoholic and mentally ill. He takes little interest in Peggy Dow who is the eye-candy of the film, and is perfectly pleasant to his sister and niece who see him as a social inconvenience. His whole character highlights how strange constantly being nice is, and therefore reflects how society can be cynical and selfish.

            Thankfully the tone of the film is light and we aren’t beaten over the head with any wider messages it may have; a good story is allowed to speak for itself. Elwood’s attitude certainly affects those around him, comically driving an accomplished psychiatrist onto his own couch, and driving his sister to tears. He attributes everything to his friend Harvey, and there is the question of whether or not Harvey exists. Well he has his own hat and coat...why would he need them if he were imaginary?