The Hawk Is Dying (2006) User Reviews (18)

not for all audiences but intriguing nonetheless

[Buddy-51 · 7/10 · 19 July 2007]

At what point, in a person's mind, does obsession finally turn to madness? That seems to be the question raised by "The Hawk is Dying," a grimly depressing yet strangely compelling film about a man possibly being pushed towards insanity by the bizarre, sudden death of the mentally retarded nephew he helped to raise.

The always intriguing Paul Giamatti plays George Gattling, a single man who lives with his sister and her teenage son near Gainesville, Florida. Gattling is determined to capture a wild hawk and train it to do his bidding, despite the fact that all his earlier efforts in that direction have resulted in tragic failures. After his nephew somehow drowns in his own waterbed when he is with a local prostitute (whom Gattling set him up with), Gattling begins to slip further and further into apparent madness, cutting himself off from family members and friends and becoming ever more obsessed with taming the hawk he has captured.

This is no easy film for the casual moviegoer to sit through. It is harsh, grim and depressing, and we're not always sure what the overall purpose of the film is at any given moment. Still, paradoxically, it is this very air of enigma, coupled with Giamatti'a bravura, tour-de-force performance, that most gives one reason to check the movie out. Giamatti is totally riveting as a man driven by an almost manic need to establish control over another living creature, even if that means relinquishing the hold on his own sanity a bit to do so. He receives superb support from Rusty Schwimmer as his good-hearted but dimwitted sister, and Michelle Williams as the prostitute strangely embroiled in the boy's mysterious death. And writer/director Julian Goldberger, basing his work on the novel by Harry Crews, makes the most of the rural, exotic setting to help create an otherworldly mood for his bizarre little tale.

"The Hawk is Dying" is not for every taste or audience demographic, but for those searching for something a little different, out-of-the-mainstream and challenging, this one just might fit the bill.

Giamatti is at His Best

[wmjaho · 7/10 · 25 January 2006]

In The Hawk is Dying, Paul Giamatti plays George Gattling, a single guy who owns an auto upholstery store and lives with his divorced sister Precious (Rusty Schwimmer) and her mentally handicapped son Fred (Michael Pitt). George is infatuated with birds of prey and is almost single-mindedly committed to training one. However, his past efforts have failed, much to his public embarrassment, and the movie opens with Fred holding a private funeral for a recently deceased hawk.

George and Fred finally trap another bird, this an exquisite red-tailed hawk. His challenge is to get it to eat so it will stay alive, no small challenge to a wild hawk suddenly in captivity. Saving the hawk becomes an objective Gattling tenaciously clings to despite tragic circumstances he is forced to endure. This is one plum role for Giamatti and he plays it to perfection. The movie might not play to a large audience, but Giamatti's performance is once-again Oscar worthy.

Without getting too esoteric, the Hawk is Dying is a powerful metaphor. We do find things—hobbies, interests, relationships and activities—that bring passion to our lives, define who we are and give us a reason to endure. These pursuits can take on a life of their own, providing almost mystical enchantment and meaning to our otherwise humdrum existence.

One can argue that Hawk moves slowly, that there isn't any meaningful action, that the relationships are … unusual. All those things are true. This is a flawed movie and certainly open to criticism. But Giamatti is so good, and his single-minded pursuit so compelling, that it's a movie you won't want to miss.

A Low-Key Gem

[tarbosh22000 · 6/10 · 13 May 2010]

"The Hawk Is Dying" is a low-key gem.

George Gattling (Giamatti) has a boring life as an auto upholsterer. His hobby is training hawks. But most of his hawks die of starvation. When he finds another one, his goal is to not make it starve and get the respect of his family.

As usual, Giamatti puts in a great performance as George. You feel for his character instantly. You want him to succeed. Williams also does a good job as George's love interest. I can see why this movie was dumped onto DVD shelves. The movie has no commercial appeal. I think it's better that way. Perhaps people can discover this movie themselves.

"The Hawk Is Dying" is definitely worth watching.

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Warding off the buzzards

[Rogue-32 · 7/10 · 10 February 2008]

If you read my reviews at all, you know how I feel about Giamatti, who can make anything believable if he chooses, and if you too are a fan, get your hands on a DVD of The Hawk Is Dying as soon as possible.

Although it premiered at Sundance in 2006 and was shown at other festivals as well, the film is perfect for watching at home, in quiet solitude, because it's an extremely intimate experience. This isn't a by-the-numbers movie by a long shot, it's as far away from a Hollywood blockbuster as they come, and this is a very good thing.

Paul plays George Gattling, a man driven nearly insane by his obsession with training a wild red-tailed hawk, a bird which has tremendous personal meaning to him, as he reveals in a stunning monologue deep into the film - he'd seen one ward off buzzards during an emotional-filled experience in his life, and of course the bird can be read as a metaphor, a method George employs to somehow gain control over something in his life, something transcendent and meaningful. The film is not preachy though, and some of the dialogue is very humorous - my favorite line is when Paul tells another guy, "You can't work a hawk if you're an asshole," or words to that effect.

There are not a lot of characters in this movie but the ones we get are extremely well written and realized. Michael Pitt, always a stand-out, plays against type as George's autistic nephew, and Michelle Williams is perfect in her small but pivotal part.

The DVD includes many omitted scenes, a lot of them with Michael Pitt (I think some of these should have been in the movie), and there is also a superb commentary with Paul, along with many other cool special features. It's available through half dot com at the best price, that's where I got mine.

life sense

[Vincentiu · 6 June 2013]

a film about hope. and about freedom. about life. and its heart. all in skin of a story about nothing. it is difficult to give a verdict in this case. because it is, in same measure, boring, strange and cool. important is the great performance. especially, the admirable work of Paul Giamatti who gives to his character entire force of beauty, fragility and solitude. a man of a hawk. that is all. nothing more. desire of sense and joy. fight against yourself. need of love and fear in large doses. a bitter movie. cruel, tender and very cold. nothing more. but something does a little ray of light in this ice castle of feelings. its source - the viewer. because it is possibility to understand than this film is about yourself.

a movie without a story or how to try to train a hawk in 500 easy steps

[joe-fan · 1/10 · 13 June 2007]

As a previous comment stated this is another Oscar winning performance for whats his name. How anyone can perform in a mindless story-less movie without rolling on the ground laughing has got to say something for the acting capability of anyone. ( Oscars are usually given to an actor in a real movie. He should try acting in one. ) The word dribble would be insulting to the word! The death of his nephew drowning in a water bed not only mocks the intellect of the audience but makes one realize that Hollywood crap isn't all that bad.

If you like to read about people that attend film festivals; be convinced that a hawk can be trained in less then 24 hours; watch movies that make no sense; watch movies that have no plot; be bored to tears; observe horrible scenery and settings; and, see a movies that is so bad you can't sleep through it, this is the movie for you.

It's what INDIES are all about: ego verses substance.

A Pretentious Waste

[pegasus3 · 1/10 · 15 April 2017]

A film which never seems to rise above being simply an insufferable excursion into one individual's obsessive road toward insanity, all of which is supposed to be metaphorically described by his training (more realistically torturing) a hawk. Even the acting talents of Paul Giamatti and Michelle Williams are insufficient to save this pretentious waste of cinematic effort.

A mystic film

[jfcousin2001 · 9/10 · 25 May 2006]

This American feature film is not starring Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or Jack Nicholson or Julia Roberts or Cameron Diaz. This American feature film does not take place a big city. And you won't see big cars, big money, big guns, crude sex or kung fu fighting or murders with ice-picks. Then what's left ? Well…picture a typical American family…no don't.

The "family" is composed of a man, George, living with his overweight sister abandoned by her stupid husband who couldn't bear bringing up an autistic son. Oh. I forgot to add the family pet : a not yet domesticated red tailed hawk. And that's the point : George tries to domesticate the hawk at all costs. So what is the hawk ? That is the question you'll have to answer by yourself. A fascinating film with excellent playing from the main actor as well as beautiful photography throughout the film.

This has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with your regular Hollywood dung. Answer this : are you willing to watch something different, something beautiful and mystic with no masticated answers shoved down your throat ?

beautiful movie

[yes-curious · 10/10 · 6 May 2007]

I just saw this movie in Los Angeles in quite a limited screening. I was compelled to go as a Crews fan, yet this movie surpassed my expectations. Julian Goldberger is now one of my favorite directors and I believe this movie is brilliant. Beautifully shot with incredible hand held cinematography, a lush setting where "nature was a character"and a deep commitment to humanism and the complex feelings of love and meaning, this film truly resonates within the individual. The idea of how we relate to the day to day, to the absurd, to nature and the wild are just some of the things I loved about the movie. The setting was magical as the bird. I felt the wild, I felt the loneliness, I felt the love and the music of the earth. Giamatti(amazingamazing),Williams(really good), Schwimmer, Wisdom, Pitt, MacCaulay all were attop form; they portrayed the true characters and the realism that makes Crews so attractive. I found myself unbelievably moved at the sadness and joy and everything in between. This movie is so layered in good flimmaking, I could go on and on...from the players, the director, the incredible sound (THE SOUND!!), and the unbelievable photography/cinematography. The screen adaptation is slightly different from the novel, but I believe it captures the largeness and smallness of our world and mysteries of life. It flows and the tension and release are palpable. Although this film was not well-received atSundance and, according to the QandA, most reviews dismal, I found thisrefreshing. So often what is outside the status quo is co-opted; themarginalized becomes the mainstream in a base and compromised position. I hate that people namedrop Harry Crews as a badge of cool, along with their silkscreened tshirts and overpriced jeans. I doubt that Jarmusch or Altman were well received at first either. Now they are listed on those "cool" folks myspace page. This movie should extend beyond all reviews; it stands as a strong work of art and an intelligent beautiful movie. The only reason I do not give it a 10 is because ...well I'm changing my vote to a 10. This ranks as one of my favorite movies of all time.

Top Movie at Sundance

[mreamy · 9/10 · 26 January 2006]

I was lucky enough to catch this film last week at Sundance. Without hearing much buzz compared to other films, the big push on this film was a follow up to Director Julian Goldberger's "TRANS" which I have not seen. I only know the connection to be in "middle Florida" which I've spent some time in.

I was completely blown away by this story... well acted, beautifully executed with terrific character development. The climax of this film for me to see Giamatti's character finally conquer the wild hawk and deal with his own demon's brought on a flush of emotion.

This was my favorite film that I saw at Sundance and hope that it reaches wide release.

A deep, evocative, and unique film.

[ericbelcastro · 10/10 · 17 January 2008]

Sometimes I see a film, that is so moving, so focused, that I remember it for years afterwords. Such films are few and far between, and I believe this is one of them. Paul Giamatti put something so personal into this role, so enchanting that it makes you sit on the edge of your seat and say "Yes! Something real!" and then you just sit back and feel connected with the flow of events, and his single-minded pursuit. It really was a touching experience, I feel like the director really brought something foreword that is worthy of being watched by people, and that is also a rarity in terms of the massive amount of output out there. I hope you all go out and watch this movie when your are in the mood for a lesson, and a moving experience.

Intriguing

[dan_cartwright · 8/10 · 24 January 2006]

Another film that showcases the talents of Paul Giamatti. I feel as though he may be one of the best actors of the early 20th century. Alone, his performance was worth the price of admission. His performance is award worthy. The film captures the ambiance of Alachua County Florida, and the director knew how to capture excellent performances from the cast (especially the hawks). See this film for the exceptional believability of the cast. Not a movie for crunching popcorn in, but a good film none the less. If I was to have anything negative at all to say about the film, is that it suffered from a lack of pacing at times. I will give it my highest rating - I felt as though I got my money's worth! Seen at Sundance 06 24 Jan

Very captivating

[Christopher-Peznola · 9/10 · 18 July 2008]

I started out, before I saw Sideways, as a skeptic of Giamatti's talent. After that film, I had to make a 180 on my view. He was exceptional. I've liked him a lot in most everything he's been in, but a Hawk is Dying is a work that I am sure he will always remember. This was a perfect film for his unique, everyday man, with enormous depth and complexity (like most of us everyday people).

In this film, he and most of the other characters, give exceptional performances, in my opinion, because this was a small film. This film didn't have to conform to the Hollywood formula, so that millions of people can understand the plot, and get excited about the action or the comedy. This film was made for a smaller audience that likes to be treated like a thoughtful person, and enjoys escaping into another world. What this film did well was draw the audience into a world that it might never have seen, but it can identify with.

I would recommend this film. Watch it without distraction and let it take you into a very interesting and captivating story about love, compassion and the frustration that comes with giving of yourself and then facing those others that did not, and will never understand what you have done. The complex emotions come through, without hyperbole or obvious references, inserted to make sure we don't miss the point. This is true film, a window into life experience, from other humans, like us, who live and feel and hurt and struggle.

Giamatti superb in a superb film

[rpmddo · 9/10 · 3 July 2008]

Wow, what a tour de force performance from Giamatti. He is so good that he makes it look easy. A great movie, thought provoking, and beautifully filmed, although in a subdued way. Certainly not for everyone, but I thought it was very very good. An unusual mixture of characters and situations, but there is something here that almost anyone can relate to.

No car chases, violent gruesome murders, or slick production, or product placement ads, or cool, hip cultural references, which made it all the more enjoyable for me. The messages of the film the viewer has to figure out on her own; there is no hammer that you are hit with over the head. Superb job by all.

Literature in moving images

[tll2 · 10/10 · 6 December 2008]

I do not understand how the present low IMDb score has come about. This movie is literature in moving images. Genuine, non-glamorous, mesmerizing. Camera work and direction are great. Director Julian Goldberger knows how to use very modest means to create maximum effect. Paul Giammatti is a phenomenal actor. He keeps you glued to the screen with his presence. Rusty Schwimmer as his sister is also very effective. But perhaps the most arresting character is that of the hawk. It adds an unsettled beauty to the film.

Most warmly recommended if you like 'adult' movies that steer away from Hollywood polishedness.

Good

[Jefrey-knight · 10/10 · 15 November 2021]

Paul Giamani gives an excellent performance. In a backdrop of a nothing town with a nothing main character who appears very intelligent but has all the outward signs of being mediocre. However, he accomplished a greatness with his hawk... nobody will care except himself. That is the film, a personal triumph, and it is good.

I loved this movie.

[orangehenryviii · 8/10 · 11 March 2018]

Perhaps the most important thing to understand if you are unfamiliar with the eponymous book is that this is a Harry Crews story and as typical of such it is an ugly, depressing and unpleasant tale of a darker, poorer, more bizarre yet more mundane and real America that is rarely depicted in mainstream media without the glamor of gunfights, chase scenes and beautiful people. Also, like Harry Crews' best stories, there is real beauty that shines through in this movie, mainly in the amazing interaction between the red-tail hawk and Paul Giamatti, who is so perfect in this role you would think the book was written about him. This may be his best acting performance to date.This is not a movie that was made for mass audience appeal, but to portray a remarkable story, at which it succeeds brilliantly.

Absolutely incredible

[roberto-484-795346 · 10/10 · 16 January 2016]

I've watched it last night by myself, rewinding many many scenes, many are pure works of art all by itself. The shot where the camera zooms out of the kitchen window from the outside of the house. Good grief, what a power. I've watched that scene at least 6 times. Giamatti's REAL connection with the bird. Epic monologues from him, where he talks about the bird and the man being one, and you see it happen before your eyes. This is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen, comparable with Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf.

Why the F do i have to write 10 lines before my review can be submitted?? What's up with that?