i be 55 and and have see countless movie in my day and from silents to computerize re make of classic . i would not repeat all the wonderful thing say about this movie by others and but only endorse their view and feeling represent the filming and the setting and the story and the casting and the music . combine they add up to make this movie stand out a bit above all others . i saw lonely hunter when it come out and and perhaps 2 or 3 time since then and and it have certainly stand the test of time . i do not see how you could find a more moving and sensitive and and think provoke production . only recently have i read the book and and and despite one viewer comment and believe the film to be a wonderfully compact and visual interpretation of same while a joy to behold and and one that have positively influence my life in many way . would just like to add that the late movie to have such an effect on me and although not necessarily for the positive ( . ) and have be american beauty . the heart surely rate a positive .