Seriously, why has no one heard of this? Why hadn't I? This was on sale, I was attracted by the talent and that was it. The title is the name of a dreadful mental hospital, and this is based on the true story of a Korean war vet who was sent there and who could not allow it to go on like that. In 90 minutes, this covers a lot of the unforgivable treatment(a more fitting word would be abuse) that the patients undergone back then, on account of the ignorance, the black and white view and the leaders not paying enough attention to what was going on(when the cat's away...). This is engaging from start to finish. The pace is good, if it does at times move excessively swiftly. This has excellent and flawless acting, especially as far as the leads go. Oldman and Hopper are amazing. The characters are well-written, credible and nicely developed. This has a marvelous plot, and it never stops being interesting. Not the only film about the subject, and not the best(if you can watch just one, and it's this or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest... yeah, the latter), but most definitely worth your time. There is plenty of disturbing content, a bit of violence, relatively frequent moderate to strong language in this(and the movie can be disgusting). The DVD comes with a theatrical trailer. I recommend this to everyone mature enough for the themes. 7/10
32 Reviews
It Wasn't As Powerful As I Thought It Would Be
sddavis6322 August 2010
In 1955, Korean War veteran Emmett Foley had a breakdown and shot up his neighbourhood, apparently in the hopes that the police would kill him and his wife would get insurance money. Instead, the police captured him and he ended up being committed to a mental institution with deplorable conditions where the inmates were routinely mistreated. I realize that this is supposedly based on a true story (I always wonder how accurate a movie is when it's "based" on a true story. How many liberties are taken in the telling?) and yet, this somehow seemed stale to me. It was predictable; it lacked power. Mental institutions of that day were horrible places. 1948's "The Snake Pit" (although set a bit earlier) packs a better punch than this, quite frankly, if you want an account of what conditions were like - even though it wasn't "based on a true story."
Gary Oldman's performance as Emmett was a good one. He was clearly the highlight of the movie. There are a lot of other familiar faces in this, but it's Oldman's movie. I appreciated his take on Emmett - who was really quite clear-headed in most respects. Once he's incarcerated, Emmett becomes an advocate for the prisoners being abused, writing letters to their families to tell them what's happening, and, with the help of his sister (played by Pamela Reed) getting state officials involved in the case. That's where the movie really let me down. It just fizzled out. The Governor learns about the situation and establishes a committee that Emmett testifies in front of - and then it's over. Just the captions telling us about some reforms that were made to the system. Surely it wasn't that easy? One piece of testimony in front of a committee and the problem is solved? It was just too easy. I was left thinking that there should have been more - not wanting more in a positive sense, but thinking that there should have been more as in "that's it?" Oldman gets points for a good performance. The movie itself disappoints.
Gary Oldman's performance as Emmett was a good one. He was clearly the highlight of the movie. There are a lot of other familiar faces in this, but it's Oldman's movie. I appreciated his take on Emmett - who was really quite clear-headed in most respects. Once he's incarcerated, Emmett becomes an advocate for the prisoners being abused, writing letters to their families to tell them what's happening, and, with the help of his sister (played by Pamela Reed) getting state officials involved in the case. That's where the movie really let me down. It just fizzled out. The Governor learns about the situation and establishes a committee that Emmett testifies in front of - and then it's over. Just the captions telling us about some reforms that were made to the system. Surely it wasn't that easy? One piece of testimony in front of a committee and the problem is solved? It was just too easy. I was left thinking that there should have been more - not wanting more in a positive sense, but thinking that there should have been more as in "that's it?" Oldman gets points for a good performance. The movie itself disappoints.
Well, I don't reckon I'm a hero. Sure don't feel like one. I just did what I could. One thing at a time. Step by step.
hitchcockthelegend22 February 2020
Chattahoochee is directed by Mick Jackson and written by James Cresson (as James Hicks). It stars Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Francis McDormand, Pamela Reed, Ned Beatty and M. Emmet Walsh. Music is by John E. Keane and cinematography by Andrew Dunn.
In 1955 Florida, Korean veteran Emmett Foley (Oldman) has a breakdown and is incarcerated in a "maximum security" mental health prison. Here he witnesses patients being abused and used.
One landed in the cuckoo's nest.
Intense incarceration based tale, Chattahoochee suffers due to a cliché riddled screenplay that can't hit the upper echelons of pics dealing with the "mismanagement" of mental health patients. Foley's attempts to expose the nightmarish conditions at the facility he is imprisoned in, keeps the viewer interested, as does his burgeoning friendship with Benson (Hopper) and the crashing of his relationship with the girl he loves outside (McDormand).
Ultimately, it's well performed by the principals, but staid in writing and direction to the point you end up hankering for the "greats" of the genre made previously. 6/10
In 1955 Florida, Korean veteran Emmett Foley (Oldman) has a breakdown and is incarcerated in a "maximum security" mental health prison. Here he witnesses patients being abused and used.
One landed in the cuckoo's nest.
Intense incarceration based tale, Chattahoochee suffers due to a cliché riddled screenplay that can't hit the upper echelons of pics dealing with the "mismanagement" of mental health patients. Foley's attempts to expose the nightmarish conditions at the facility he is imprisoned in, keeps the viewer interested, as does his burgeoning friendship with Benson (Hopper) and the crashing of his relationship with the girl he loves outside (McDormand).
Ultimately, it's well performed by the principals, but staid in writing and direction to the point you end up hankering for the "greats" of the genre made previously. 6/10
Great film, two thumbs up to Gary Oldman
henkdawg16 July 2000
Chattahoochee is a fine film that explores heroism as well as the trials of personal relationships in times of hardship. The acting is superb, especially Oldman's performance of Emmet Folley as the unstable Korean war Veteran who ends up in an abusive and unsanitary mental hospital. Dennis Hopper also does a fine job and special recognition to Frances McDormand who plays Emmet's wife. She isn't the most likeable character but she proves herself again to be a fine character actor. I appreciated the movies realism and there was no doubt about the horror and darkness associated with the institution which Oldman's character was fighting against. Watching the entire movie is worth it just to see the scene where Emmet barricades himself behind the bunk beds and begins rallying against the guards. I wasn't completely satisfied with the sound track but the music was used in the all the right places. A great film both for it's historical significance and for it's study of relationships--and also of course for it's well built up exciting moments.
Who's the Crazy One?
view_and_review14 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
If "Brubaker" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" were combined and made into a movie based upon true events, then you'd have "Chattahoochee."
In the mid-'50's Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman) was committed to Chattahoochee mental hospital in Florida for trying to commit suicide. He had some emotional problems, but nothing that would elevate him to the level of insanity. In his time inside Chattahoochee he witnessed all sorts of abuses and he was not one to sit idly by. He began documenting all the abuses and once it was revealed that he was exposing the institution's sins he became the subject of abuse. Through his sister Earlene (Pamela Reed) he was able to keep contact with the outside world and finally get the attention of someone who mattered.
Oppression and abuse happen in so many different arenas; schools, hospitals, prisons, and elsewhere. It's always galling, particularly when abuse occurs in places where people are supposed to be getting helped. Chattahoochee was a place for the mentally incompetent who were guilty of a crime. They weren't put there to be punished, they were put there to be helped, but punishment is what they got. Chattahoochee had no intention of aiding or assisting them, and they certainly had no intention of "curing" them.
Facilities like Chattahoochee were all over the U.S. and God knows how many of them used the patients as their own personal guinea pigs and pin cushions. It makes you wonder who's really the crazy one. Emmett Foley is something of a martyr for his role in helping reform one of the worst offenders. The abuse he received for the cause of exposing Chattahoochee I can say, I don't think I could've done it. If I wasn't crazy going in, I'd probably be crazy by the time I got out.
"Chattahoochee" is about reform. Not reformation of the criminal or the sick, but reformation of the institutions made to house them. Reform is not a four-letter word spelling the end of civilization and a submission to a liberal agenda. Reform is not a zero-sum game meaning that either we abuse them or we coddle them. Reform is just a recognition of mistakes of the past and taking the steps to rectify them.
In the mid-'50's Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman) was committed to Chattahoochee mental hospital in Florida for trying to commit suicide. He had some emotional problems, but nothing that would elevate him to the level of insanity. In his time inside Chattahoochee he witnessed all sorts of abuses and he was not one to sit idly by. He began documenting all the abuses and once it was revealed that he was exposing the institution's sins he became the subject of abuse. Through his sister Earlene (Pamela Reed) he was able to keep contact with the outside world and finally get the attention of someone who mattered.
Oppression and abuse happen in so many different arenas; schools, hospitals, prisons, and elsewhere. It's always galling, particularly when abuse occurs in places where people are supposed to be getting helped. Chattahoochee was a place for the mentally incompetent who were guilty of a crime. They weren't put there to be punished, they were put there to be helped, but punishment is what they got. Chattahoochee had no intention of aiding or assisting them, and they certainly had no intention of "curing" them.
Facilities like Chattahoochee were all over the U.S. and God knows how many of them used the patients as their own personal guinea pigs and pin cushions. It makes you wonder who's really the crazy one. Emmett Foley is something of a martyr for his role in helping reform one of the worst offenders. The abuse he received for the cause of exposing Chattahoochee I can say, I don't think I could've done it. If I wasn't crazy going in, I'd probably be crazy by the time I got out.
"Chattahoochee" is about reform. Not reformation of the criminal or the sick, but reformation of the institutions made to house them. Reform is not a four-letter word spelling the end of civilization and a submission to a liberal agenda. Reform is not a zero-sum game meaning that either we abuse them or we coddle them. Reform is just a recognition of mistakes of the past and taking the steps to rectify them.
great acting
jstev1079727 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
i am very much a gary oldman fan. he's never the same in any of his films. the music selection though for this film, just doesn't fit. pamela reed and frances mcdormand were very good. it's a shame i had never heard of this film before, i had just happened upon it, while looking for something other than xmas specials and repeats. dennis hopper's performance was one of the few that i really enjoyed. i was somewhat disappointed with the fact that we never really got to know why foley went off the deep end, and what happened to him after his release. so few actors in films give you that feeling, but oldman and crew, made you want to know more.
Oldman at his very best...
storyguide-axel4 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A hero, Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman), returns from Korea, only to find that he can't function like he used to. Something is changed within him. One day he goes nuts and starts shooting all over the neighborhood. And while he has no intention of harming anyone but himself, he accidentally shoots a woman in the leg. The police arrives, but is completely incompetent and cannot hit him. He ends by taking his own life, or at least so he think, but he even fails at that.
He is placed at a mental institution called Chattahoochee, where life changes dramatically for him. This is not a place where people get better, far from it, in fact most people who leaves this place does so in a casket. Emmett, along with his friend Walker (Dennis Hopper) tries to fight the system from within, but it seems like an impossible fight. The "patients" have no rights and Emmett is constantly reminded of this, and yet he continues to fight.
The story was inspired by a true story, and the characters actually feel real (which is ultimately a big credit to the cast). Most of them are indeed insane, but some, like Walker has merely been placed at Chattahoochee because it will be impossible for them to leave that way. In the end, the only way for Walker to leave is by fleeing...
I had no idea what to expect when I saw this movie, except that it was a story about "heroes (that) happen in crazy places", but that isn't saying a lot. And honestly, when the movie ended, I didn't have the feeling that it glorified Emmett, it merely set him free and gave him some peace of mind.
The movie has a nice pace that isn't forced. It takes the time to show us the characters so that we understand that they are more than just crazy and criminals. Sure, Gary Oldman overacts at times, but he has to, and so he is forgiven.
Overall, a solid movie with an interesting story. It sort of reminded me of the Shawshank Redemption, only with crazy people. Nothing is prettied up here, everything feels real. Definitely worth a second look, just not anytime soon.
He is placed at a mental institution called Chattahoochee, where life changes dramatically for him. This is not a place where people get better, far from it, in fact most people who leaves this place does so in a casket. Emmett, along with his friend Walker (Dennis Hopper) tries to fight the system from within, but it seems like an impossible fight. The "patients" have no rights and Emmett is constantly reminded of this, and yet he continues to fight.
The story was inspired by a true story, and the characters actually feel real (which is ultimately a big credit to the cast). Most of them are indeed insane, but some, like Walker has merely been placed at Chattahoochee because it will be impossible for them to leave that way. In the end, the only way for Walker to leave is by fleeing...
I had no idea what to expect when I saw this movie, except that it was a story about "heroes (that) happen in crazy places", but that isn't saying a lot. And honestly, when the movie ended, I didn't have the feeling that it glorified Emmett, it merely set him free and gave him some peace of mind.
The movie has a nice pace that isn't forced. It takes the time to show us the characters so that we understand that they are more than just crazy and criminals. Sure, Gary Oldman overacts at times, but he has to, and so he is forgiven.
Overall, a solid movie with an interesting story. It sort of reminded me of the Shawshank Redemption, only with crazy people. Nothing is prettied up here, everything feels real. Definitely worth a second look, just not anytime soon.
Oldman and Hopper save it from being a total waste.
Rockwell_Cronenberg28 January 2012
There's not a lot to say about this, other than it's not very good. Gary Oldman and Dennis Hopper save it from being a complete waste, but the whole thing is flawed out the rear. Director Mick Jackson doesn't seem like he has any competency behind the camera; the film deals with very dark ideas like attempted suicide and guard violence and inhumane conditions in prison, but the tone is disastrously light for the majority, with random bits of narration popping up now and again. The script from James Hicks leaves a lot to be desired, meandering all over the place for the first act, lazily trying to find it's footing in the second act and then out of nowhere becoming a law drama in the final one.
It's unfortunately handled by everyone other than some of the actors, particularly Oldman who still manages to impress in the leading role. Hopper has a couple of nice emotional moments (guy really was such an underrated actor), but Oldman steals the thing with another magnetically absorbed performance that is entirely unique to anything else he's ever done. His character is suicidal when we meet him, but in the rough and legally unfair conditions of the prison he's locked away in he finally discovers a new purpose in life. He's a war veteran who finds another battle to fight and Oldman plays him with strong desperation and emotional pull. It would have been even more impressive had it been in a film that was trying half as hard as he was.
It's unfortunately handled by everyone other than some of the actors, particularly Oldman who still manages to impress in the leading role. Hopper has a couple of nice emotional moments (guy really was such an underrated actor), but Oldman steals the thing with another magnetically absorbed performance that is entirely unique to anything else he's ever done. His character is suicidal when we meet him, but in the rough and legally unfair conditions of the prison he's locked away in he finally discovers a new purpose in life. He's a war veteran who finds another battle to fight and Oldman plays him with strong desperation and emotional pull. It would have been even more impressive had it been in a film that was trying half as hard as he was.
Sublimely Acted, Yet Under-rated Film
studiojudio28 June 1999
I have not yet begun to understand how this movie was so ignored. Besides having a beautiful "conquering evils" story, we have here, a masterpiece of acting. Dennis Hopper does NOT give - as Leonard Maltin says - a "glorified cameo" - but brings a superb supporting performance to the film. But it is Gary Oldman who soars above the realm of "acting", who is STARTLING in his performance. This genius of an actor should've received awards, accolades, and acclaim for one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen on screen.
If you are a true movie-lover, please take the time to view this brilliantly acted story. Perhaps we can all then get together to get Mr. Oldman his due for a KILLER performance. He certainly deserves it.
If you are a true movie-lover, please take the time to view this brilliantly acted story. Perhaps we can all then get together to get Mr. Oldman his due for a KILLER performance. He certainly deserves it.
Good, but not great.
Hey_Sweden23 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Valentine's Day, 1955. Traumatized Korean War veteran Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman) decides to get out his gun and raise a ruckus in his Florida neighbourhood, hoping to get shot and killed by the police so that the amount of insurance that his family collects will be at its maximum. Things don't work out as planned, though: he's sent to an insane asylum, where patients are regularly brutalized by an uncaring staff. He's incensed at what he sees and raises a stink, as does his crusading sister Earlene (Pamela Reed). He not only wants to be released, he wants to expose the insensitivity of this disgusting place.
Knowing this was "inspired by" a true story does give the film a bit of impact, and it's directed with a flair for the dramatic and the ugly by Mick Jackson. However, things don't take emotional hold quite as often as they should. There are fine scenes, to be sure, but Jackson and company cram a lot of narrative into a relatively short time frame and don't give us enough detail about or much insight into the characters. The film opens right away with Emmetts' breakdown. Some viewers may appreciate this attempt to get down to business quickly, but others will be left wanting more. Emmett and his fellow patients are reasonably sympathetic, and their nemeses are effectively unappealing, including Ned Beatty as administrator Dr. Harwood.
The main reason to watch is yet another fine performance by the talented Oldman, who's compelling even though he doesn't have too much to work with. Neither does Dennis Hopper, in the co-starring part of patient Walker Benson. Reed is fantastic as the sister and you do end up rooting for her when she stands up to Harwood. Frances McDormand is superb as Emmetts' wife Mae, with one memorable scene of Mae giving Emmett some very unwelcome news. The rest of the supporting cast is largely wasted, especially M. Emmet Walsh, in the nothing role of Morris.
The audience should feel a sense of triumph at the end, but the finale is underwhelming and over much too quickly, which doesn't help matters. In general, this manages to be watchable, but it's actually just too short a film.
In conclusion, the obvious phoniness of Oldmans' beard is too much of a distraction.
Seven out of 10.
Knowing this was "inspired by" a true story does give the film a bit of impact, and it's directed with a flair for the dramatic and the ugly by Mick Jackson. However, things don't take emotional hold quite as often as they should. There are fine scenes, to be sure, but Jackson and company cram a lot of narrative into a relatively short time frame and don't give us enough detail about or much insight into the characters. The film opens right away with Emmetts' breakdown. Some viewers may appreciate this attempt to get down to business quickly, but others will be left wanting more. Emmett and his fellow patients are reasonably sympathetic, and their nemeses are effectively unappealing, including Ned Beatty as administrator Dr. Harwood.
The main reason to watch is yet another fine performance by the talented Oldman, who's compelling even though he doesn't have too much to work with. Neither does Dennis Hopper, in the co-starring part of patient Walker Benson. Reed is fantastic as the sister and you do end up rooting for her when she stands up to Harwood. Frances McDormand is superb as Emmetts' wife Mae, with one memorable scene of Mae giving Emmett some very unwelcome news. The rest of the supporting cast is largely wasted, especially M. Emmet Walsh, in the nothing role of Morris.
The audience should feel a sense of triumph at the end, but the finale is underwhelming and over much too quickly, which doesn't help matters. In general, this manages to be watchable, but it's actually just too short a film.
In conclusion, the obvious phoniness of Oldmans' beard is too much of a distraction.
Seven out of 10.
Very Good But Had More Potential
TedMichaelMor24 May 2010
This might have been a masterwork. Acting, editing, photography and many other aspects of this film are excellent. Mike Jackson the director of many films surpassed even that work here, but the script is more than a bit heavy handed and clichéd. The writer James Hicks is also an actor—maybe that is one reason the script works well in details. It is less successful in scope and range.
Still Frances McDormand reveals her immense potential. Gary Oldman is a genius in all of his film work. Ned Betty and Dennis Hopper do their masterwork. The opening brought back memories for me of Southern summer mornings. Attention to historical detail is terrific.
I wish the entire film were as good as the opening sequence is. After that brilliant beginning, the rest of the film seems like too many other films about exploitation. I agree with the reviewer that the director ought to have brought us more into the interior life of the protagonist. Oldman has even more potential than Mr. Jackson used.
Still Frances McDormand reveals her immense potential. Gary Oldman is a genius in all of his film work. Ned Betty and Dennis Hopper do their masterwork. The opening brought back memories for me of Southern summer mornings. Attention to historical detail is terrific.
I wish the entire film were as good as the opening sequence is. After that brilliant beginning, the rest of the film seems like too many other films about exploitation. I agree with the reviewer that the director ought to have brought us more into the interior life of the protagonist. Oldman has even more potential than Mr. Jackson used.
How Did They Miss THIS One???
studiojudio14 July 1999
An exceptional piece of acting, on the part of Gary Oldman (gee; what else is new?) and Dennis Hopper, who ALWAYS comes through with fine performances.
However, Gary Oldman simply transcends acting like no other actor in the world. He is magnificent in this role of a desperate, but good and sincere man.
The movie might not be for the squeamish - but it IS for people who enjoy stories of true heroism - portrayed by a genius like Mr. Oldman.
I would LOVE it if critics would re-discover this motion picture for its greatness in plot, and its acting.
Overlooking Gary Oldman's performance in this film is the biggest crime since "Oliver" won the Best Picture Oscar over "2001".....
Will they never learn?
However, Gary Oldman simply transcends acting like no other actor in the world. He is magnificent in this role of a desperate, but good and sincere man.
The movie might not be for the squeamish - but it IS for people who enjoy stories of true heroism - portrayed by a genius like Mr. Oldman.
I would LOVE it if critics would re-discover this motion picture for its greatness in plot, and its acting.
Overlooking Gary Oldman's performance in this film is the biggest crime since "Oliver" won the Best Picture Oscar over "2001".....
Will they never learn?
'Chattahoochee' isn't a bright and sunny film, but then again, it's not supposed to be, and that is where this film ultimately succeeds.
bryank-0484411 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Back in 1989, the story of Chris Calhoun finally saw the big screen treatment. After being rejected time after time for his story, a small British production company said, "Yes", which was the same company that made 'Platoon' and 'Hoosiers'. The locked up director Mick Jackson, whose big claim to fame was directing 'Volcano' and 'The Bodyguard'. However, before those films made their social impact on the masses, Jackson directed Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, and Frances McDormand in a film called 'Chattahoochee', which refers to the city in Florida.
This film is based on the real life person of Chris Calhoun, who was a vet in the Korean war, suffers a breakdown, and ends up being committed to a mental hospital. While there, Calhoun witnessed torture, abuse, and murder to most of the patients being "cared" for. Calhoun himself was subject to all of this abuse, and it was widely documented and covered in the media, which ultimately led to extensive investigations and major changes nationwide, regarding the treatment and care of mental health patients. This is definitely not a happy-sunshine film by any means, and some moments might hit too close to home for some, giving the current state of mental health in this country.
Gary Oldman plays Emmett Foley, who is heavily based on the real life Calhoun, who when he returns from the Korean War, suffers a psychotic mental breakdown, due to shell shock, or as it's dumbed down today as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. In a scene that is difficult to watch and hits to close to home these days, Emmett takes a gun out into his neighborhood and begins shooting his neighbors, until he tries to take his own life. He survives and is placed in a mental hospital, which is more like the prison in 'Cool Hand Luke' than the institution in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Emmett soon realizes the pure hell he's in and that others are going through on daily basis at the hands of the guards and doctors, who constantly abuse and torture them for their own pleasure.
Meanwhile, Emmett's wife Mae (McDormand) is trying to understand why her husband had a breakdown, and doesn't understand that he needs help. Mae isn't exactly the smartest person here and thinks he can get out and support her and their daughter if he apologizes, never really caring for what's actually happening inside the hospital. More or less, her character is one-note here. Luckily, Emmett has a couple of friends in his sister Earlene (Pamela Reed), who encourages him to learn law and to take down the evil employees of the mental institution by writing about it, as well as a fellow inmate named Walker Benson (Dennis Hopper), who helps out Emmett when he can.
'Chattahoochee' may have some sort of happy ending in its own way, but it's not your stereotypical fun movie to watch. There isn't really a whole lot to laugh at here, and while it has some semblance of a happy ending, that's not usually the case with these situations. This movie takes a good and in depth look of what life was like for these poor patients in these mental hospitals back then, which will have you asking yourself, "Was it really like that?" Yes it was, unfortunately, and Jackson shows these horrors and truths very well, if not too well. Oldman's performance here is fantastic and should satisfy the Oldman fanatics, if you haven't seen this movie yet. 'Chattahoochee' isn't a bright and sunny film, but then again, it's not supposed to be, and that is where this film ultimately succeeds.
This film is based on the real life person of Chris Calhoun, who was a vet in the Korean war, suffers a breakdown, and ends up being committed to a mental hospital. While there, Calhoun witnessed torture, abuse, and murder to most of the patients being "cared" for. Calhoun himself was subject to all of this abuse, and it was widely documented and covered in the media, which ultimately led to extensive investigations and major changes nationwide, regarding the treatment and care of mental health patients. This is definitely not a happy-sunshine film by any means, and some moments might hit too close to home for some, giving the current state of mental health in this country.
Gary Oldman plays Emmett Foley, who is heavily based on the real life Calhoun, who when he returns from the Korean War, suffers a psychotic mental breakdown, due to shell shock, or as it's dumbed down today as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. In a scene that is difficult to watch and hits to close to home these days, Emmett takes a gun out into his neighborhood and begins shooting his neighbors, until he tries to take his own life. He survives and is placed in a mental hospital, which is more like the prison in 'Cool Hand Luke' than the institution in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Emmett soon realizes the pure hell he's in and that others are going through on daily basis at the hands of the guards and doctors, who constantly abuse and torture them for their own pleasure.
Meanwhile, Emmett's wife Mae (McDormand) is trying to understand why her husband had a breakdown, and doesn't understand that he needs help. Mae isn't exactly the smartest person here and thinks he can get out and support her and their daughter if he apologizes, never really caring for what's actually happening inside the hospital. More or less, her character is one-note here. Luckily, Emmett has a couple of friends in his sister Earlene (Pamela Reed), who encourages him to learn law and to take down the evil employees of the mental institution by writing about it, as well as a fellow inmate named Walker Benson (Dennis Hopper), who helps out Emmett when he can.
'Chattahoochee' may have some sort of happy ending in its own way, but it's not your stereotypical fun movie to watch. There isn't really a whole lot to laugh at here, and while it has some semblance of a happy ending, that's not usually the case with these situations. This movie takes a good and in depth look of what life was like for these poor patients in these mental hospitals back then, which will have you asking yourself, "Was it really like that?" Yes it was, unfortunately, and Jackson shows these horrors and truths very well, if not too well. Oldman's performance here is fantastic and should satisfy the Oldman fanatics, if you haven't seen this movie yet. 'Chattahoochee' isn't a bright and sunny film, but then again, it's not supposed to be, and that is where this film ultimately succeeds.
Should have been called "Schadenfreude"
bmalakwa29 September 2021
The emphasis of the movie was on how much abuse was given rather on how the system was changed. If you want to watch an hour and half of schadenfreude you will enjoy this movie. So what has changed with the treatement of the mentally ill since the 50's? Instead of locking them up they put them on Main Street and let them self medicate on street drugs, earning money by stealing from you.
SMALL SPOILERS perhaps
Eyes_of_Emerald1 April 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Gary Oldman never ceases to amaze me, he is a chameleon who changes with every movie I see him in. In Chattahoochee, he does it again, tearing your heart apart, making you feel each and every nerve that the "mental hospital" opens. The only thing that was lacking was a little more background on why Emmett Foley snaps. It's not a criticism of Oldman's portrayal, at all, it's the wonderful job he does that really wants us to know more about what makes his character tick. We realize that he's come home from Korea a changed person, but there is no interaction with his family which gives you insight into why he thinks he's not deserving of staying with them, and the reasons he gives are somewhat flimsy.
Other than that, I still give it 5 out of 5 stars, but of course I could probably watch Gary Oldman read the phone book and still be overwhelmed and enchanted!!
Other than that, I still give it 5 out of 5 stars, but of course I could probably watch Gary Oldman read the phone book and still be overwhelmed and enchanted!!
I live near Chattahoochee!!
patriciacarnley22 July 2020
I live in the Panhandle of Florida maybe thirty or forty miles from Chattahoochee State Hospital. I had heard the stories, even seen it on the news years ago, but I had no idea there was a movie about it until today. I found it by accident, just scrolling through, and was so so shocked that I had to start watching it right away. And I believe they did such an excellent job making this according to actual events. I can't believe this movie isn't better advertised! I will be making sure everyone around me knows about it.
The Flaws Fight With The Performances
boblipton30 September 2021
It's 1955. Korean War veteran Gary Oldman has a violent breakdown and is incarcerated in a mental health prison.
It's a compelling movie, and it's powered by some fine performances, including Oldman, Pamela Reed as his sister, Frances MacDormand is his wife, Dennis Hopper as a fellow patient, and Ned Beatty as the head of the institution. For those of you used to seeing Beatty in comic or bizarre roles, this movie may be a revelation. He's smart, smug, and utterly despicable.
Were those the totality of the movie, it would be a fine one. However, the film makers have made an error common to this sort of crusading movie. They have stretched it out too long, letting the dull oppression of Oldman's long captivity seep into the audience, relieved only occasionally by something actually happening, like Miss Reed storming into the place. The intent of this pace is doubtless to let the audience understand the situation from the inmates' perspective. I found that it just makes the movie long and dull, and the ending abrupt. It's a common mistake, confusing sheer size for importance, and sloth for thoughtfulness. The result is a movie worth watching, but badly in need of a lot of trimming.
It's a compelling movie, and it's powered by some fine performances, including Oldman, Pamela Reed as his sister, Frances MacDormand is his wife, Dennis Hopper as a fellow patient, and Ned Beatty as the head of the institution. For those of you used to seeing Beatty in comic or bizarre roles, this movie may be a revelation. He's smart, smug, and utterly despicable.
Were those the totality of the movie, it would be a fine one. However, the film makers have made an error common to this sort of crusading movie. They have stretched it out too long, letting the dull oppression of Oldman's long captivity seep into the audience, relieved only occasionally by something actually happening, like Miss Reed storming into the place. The intent of this pace is doubtless to let the audience understand the situation from the inmates' perspective. I found that it just makes the movie long and dull, and the ending abrupt. It's a common mistake, confusing sheer size for importance, and sloth for thoughtfulness. The result is a movie worth watching, but badly in need of a lot of trimming.
some good acting work
SnoopyStyle15 December 2021
It's 1955 Florida. Disturbed Korean war hero Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman) has a mental breakdown and starts shooting randomly. It's a case of suicide by police but they keep missing. It's more life insurance money for a non-suicide. He shoots himself but fails to die. Mae (Frances McDormand) is his wife. Earlene (Pamela Reed) is his sister. He is locked up in a mental hospital in Chattahoochee. It's a crowded inhumane place full of abuse and disturbed people. Walker Benson (Dennis Hopper), Morris (M. Emmet Walsh), and Lonny (Matt Craven) are some of his more sane fellow prisoners.
This is based on a real person suffering under the real system. I have never heard of this movie before this. There is some good acting going on here starting with Gary Oldman. The plot does need some beefing up. Mostly, it needs to give more time with Pamela Reed to emphasize the drive to get him released. It would drive the plot a lot better. Emmett is basically an object being kicked around and around. That can feel repetitive. All in all, I love the actors and their work in this despite the limited plot.
This is based on a real person suffering under the real system. I have never heard of this movie before this. There is some good acting going on here starting with Gary Oldman. The plot does need some beefing up. Mostly, it needs to give more time with Pamela Reed to emphasize the drive to get him released. It would drive the plot a lot better. Emmett is basically an object being kicked around and around. That can feel repetitive. All in all, I love the actors and their work in this despite the limited plot.
Harrowing yet, what's the word ... yeah, conventional
bzb200110 January 2005
I first watched 'Chattahoochee' in the early years of the 1990s when it was first released on cable. It was an eye-opening experience. At the time I was just beginning high school. Some ten years later, when attempting to compile a list of films I have seen, I realized that I remembered nothing from the film other than loving it.
Upon my rewatching, I now see how my tastes in cinema have changed, as well as my maturity and understanding of United States history. Mick Jackson, the director of 'Chattahoochee,' just a year later would release one of my favorite comedies, 'L.A. Story.' Jackson, not well known even to film buffs, has gone on to direct a wide variety of films, including the enormously successful Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner vehicle 'The Bodyguard.' With 'Chattahoochee' Jackson has a juicy story with which to work. Based on true events, Gary Oldman plays a Korean War veteran who loses his mind after returning home to the United States. One day, for reasons the film never truly explains, he begins firing a pistol at his neighbors' dwellings, clotheslines, and even someone's wife.
He is sent to an insane asylum not meant to cure, as we understand institutions to do today, rather to house an assortment of criminals with a variety of mental illnesses, and others likely with none at all. The brutality inflicted upon these patients is inhumane and by all accounts undeserving.
Oldman's character does what he can to bring the violence out in the open, to start he writes letters to the relatives of the abused. What began with those letters ends, I suppose, with this film. And though this understanding lends it a tact truthfulness, the direction and writing are fearfully melodramatic.
Oldman's performance is beyond measure as is Frances McDormand, who plays his wife. The film, as a whole, seems very "made for TV-ish" and is the type of heavy-handed, clichéd work you might find on Lifetime if the violence wasn't so hard to censor. Mature, history minded adults will find a harrowing story in the background, but will be unable to identify with the puppets shown in the film. A more astutely directed film would allow the audience to enter the institution with the main character, instead of leaving them at arm's length emotionally. **.5 out of ****
Upon my rewatching, I now see how my tastes in cinema have changed, as well as my maturity and understanding of United States history. Mick Jackson, the director of 'Chattahoochee,' just a year later would release one of my favorite comedies, 'L.A. Story.' Jackson, not well known even to film buffs, has gone on to direct a wide variety of films, including the enormously successful Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner vehicle 'The Bodyguard.' With 'Chattahoochee' Jackson has a juicy story with which to work. Based on true events, Gary Oldman plays a Korean War veteran who loses his mind after returning home to the United States. One day, for reasons the film never truly explains, he begins firing a pistol at his neighbors' dwellings, clotheslines, and even someone's wife.
He is sent to an insane asylum not meant to cure, as we understand institutions to do today, rather to house an assortment of criminals with a variety of mental illnesses, and others likely with none at all. The brutality inflicted upon these patients is inhumane and by all accounts undeserving.
Oldman's character does what he can to bring the violence out in the open, to start he writes letters to the relatives of the abused. What began with those letters ends, I suppose, with this film. And though this understanding lends it a tact truthfulness, the direction and writing are fearfully melodramatic.
Oldman's performance is beyond measure as is Frances McDormand, who plays his wife. The film, as a whole, seems very "made for TV-ish" and is the type of heavy-handed, clichéd work you might find on Lifetime if the violence wasn't so hard to censor. Mature, history minded adults will find a harrowing story in the background, but will be unable to identify with the puppets shown in the film. A more astutely directed film would allow the audience to enter the institution with the main character, instead of leaving them at arm's length emotionally. **.5 out of ****
A brilliant portrayal of simple heroism
cooper-2424 May 1999
This under-rated movie is an excellent portrayal of the heroic. True love and friendship fight despair and tragedy. The military betrayed its men, the doctors betrayed its sick, and a marriage betrayed its partners. One man is compelled to try and do something about it. The acting is superb, drawing one into the film and leaving one to reflect on one's own life and the society we live in.
Strong Performances, Flawed Movie
abeautifulliexox-194-9334738 November 2011
Chattahoochee is a film that, to me, held lots of promise. Any film that tells a story about poor conditions in an insane asylum AND stars the fabulous Gary Oldman is usually right up my alley, but this? Not so much.
Here's the deal: This film is, in a word, JUMPY. So much is being packed into such a small time frame that very little of it is actually being communicated. I mean, we're being presented with all of these things: questioning ones' sanity, unlawful exploitation, advocating for prisoner rights, maintaining relationships through incarceration . . . Really solid themes that could make for a fantastic film - but only if given enough time to develop. In Chattahoochee, there is no build up, no introduction, and absolutely no transition.
See, all the right things are there, it's just that they haven't been executed. The audience is never fully allowed to connect with the characters or the situations they face because we're never fully exposed to them. The whole thing is purely objective - just the facts with no prelude, insight or conclusion. Perhaps if it were a good half hour or so longer, it could reach its full potential.
Now, there are things that I did like about it. I do like the score - even if it's comically inappropriate at times (the scene where the patients are walking to lunch, for instance, is set to music that makes it seem as though they were walking the Green Mile). However, the rest of it is very effective and even haunting at times. But more importantly . . .The ACTING was AMAZING!!! The supporting cast, including Dennis Hopper, Frances McDormand, and especially Pamela Reed, add as much foundation to this tipsy story as they can muster. While they have very little valuable screen time, they do manage to add some depth to their respective characters, and truly help us empathize with them.
And of course, at the center of this film is Gary Oldman as Emmett. While the script never actually allows us into his head, Oldman forces us in. His gritty, emotional performance is sometimes overwhelming, and actually transports us into the muck-covered hole that is Chattahoochee. His frequent moments of vulnerability grip desperately at the heart until you're begging him to let go. However, that is the only real reason why this film is any good. It's all about the acting.
Just a side note. I was really ticked off at Oldman's beard. It's honestly the worst bit of costuming that I have ever seen. I don't know if he actually grew that thing or if they just slapped it onto his face(my bet's on the latter), but honestly, it was an itch in my side the whole time. So distracting. When Hopper offered him a razor near the end, I was almost screaming at him to take it, but ... GRRRRR.
Anyway, I would strongly recommend that you buy this film if you're a Gary Oldman fan, or even if you just appreciate great acting. Otherwise, at least rent it. Despite its flaws, its worth a look.
Here's the deal: This film is, in a word, JUMPY. So much is being packed into such a small time frame that very little of it is actually being communicated. I mean, we're being presented with all of these things: questioning ones' sanity, unlawful exploitation, advocating for prisoner rights, maintaining relationships through incarceration . . . Really solid themes that could make for a fantastic film - but only if given enough time to develop. In Chattahoochee, there is no build up, no introduction, and absolutely no transition.
See, all the right things are there, it's just that they haven't been executed. The audience is never fully allowed to connect with the characters or the situations they face because we're never fully exposed to them. The whole thing is purely objective - just the facts with no prelude, insight or conclusion. Perhaps if it were a good half hour or so longer, it could reach its full potential.
Now, there are things that I did like about it. I do like the score - even if it's comically inappropriate at times (the scene where the patients are walking to lunch, for instance, is set to music that makes it seem as though they were walking the Green Mile). However, the rest of it is very effective and even haunting at times. But more importantly . . .The ACTING was AMAZING!!! The supporting cast, including Dennis Hopper, Frances McDormand, and especially Pamela Reed, add as much foundation to this tipsy story as they can muster. While they have very little valuable screen time, they do manage to add some depth to their respective characters, and truly help us empathize with them.
And of course, at the center of this film is Gary Oldman as Emmett. While the script never actually allows us into his head, Oldman forces us in. His gritty, emotional performance is sometimes overwhelming, and actually transports us into the muck-covered hole that is Chattahoochee. His frequent moments of vulnerability grip desperately at the heart until you're begging him to let go. However, that is the only real reason why this film is any good. It's all about the acting.
Just a side note. I was really ticked off at Oldman's beard. It's honestly the worst bit of costuming that I have ever seen. I don't know if he actually grew that thing or if they just slapped it onto his face(my bet's on the latter), but honestly, it was an itch in my side the whole time. So distracting. When Hopper offered him a razor near the end, I was almost screaming at him to take it, but ... GRRRRR.
Anyway, I would strongly recommend that you buy this film if you're a Gary Oldman fan, or even if you just appreciate great acting. Otherwise, at least rent it. Despite its flaws, its worth a look.
Gary Oldman and Dennis Hopper don´t save this movie
FrankNSteinSinatra8 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I really wanted to like this one but I couldn´t.
The charisma of Oldman and Hopper and some positive reviews here made an expectation that you are going to find a lost pearl, but the effort falls to incompetent directing and film editing: this is Mick Jackson´s first film.
The first part is a mess of too quick scenes and you have to wait until the middle of the movie, when there starts to be seen any kind of clue what this film is about: suddenly the director decides that he wants to tell us about the sadism of the american mental hospital conditions in the 50´s. The patients are shown as victims. So if they just manage to escape from concentration camp-like system everything is going to be ok.
But, is it really that simple? Did not patients had traumatic experiences in civil life? If you know for instance something about the psychology of Jung or Milos Forman´s "Cuckoo", Chattahoochee leaves impression of popularized, thin tv-movie without depth. Something is missing, a philosophy, slower dialogues, flashbacks of Korean war, who knows.
The theme, the alienation and occasional lunacy of human being is also better presented for instance in a movie like "Deliverance". (Ned Beatty´s appearance as Dr. Harwood is a hint for that experience.)
Disturbing
stormrider5715 December 2005
Gary Oldman fan or not, the movie grabs you with its graphic portrayal of the horrors of such medieval institutions. The abuses were in no way exaggerated-- they were commonplace in that time, and if some viewers think Oldman's character was too intense, I say he was shaped that way, forced by an untenable situation to struggle to save himself and his fellow patients any way he could. The only part I found unrealistic was at the end when he was assured that things were about to change immediately and drastically after only a few questions from the investigating committee, especially while he was heavily medicated and not entirely cognizant of his surroundings. It couldn't be that easy, otherwise I'd have given it a 10. Think Cuckoo's Nest, minus the comedy, meets Deliverance. It gave me shivers.
An excellent movie, that has the creativity of independent films yet a superb cast and story.
pdpmtp19 September 2007
This was, as the previous comment stated an exceptional piece of work, with acting par excellence. I agree that the critics missed the missed the superb work by Oldman and also that Hoppers' part was anything but a cameo. I loved it, and too, wondered how it slipped through the cracks. Being based on a true story, made it that much more interesting, as well as thought provoking, albeit I don't know how much embellishment was added. In my opinion, there was no bad, or even mediocre acting from any of the cast. Each player conveyed their part to the point where you could either sympathize or empathize with them. In the end it's good to see that "good" wins over "bad", enveloping the value of human perseverance and tenacity. I would recommend this film to anyone.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
