Watch The Great Santini

The Great Santini is a 1979 American drama film directed by Lewis John Carlino and starring Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, and Michael O'Keefe. The movie is based on Pat Conroy's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The story is set in the early 1960s and follows the Meechum family, a military family led by Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meechum (Robert Duvall). Bull is an experienced and decorated fighter pilot who trains his son, Ben (Michael O'Keefe), to be a basketball player and a good soldier. However, Bull's rigid personality and brutal training style put a strain on his relationship with his wife Lillian (Blythe Danner) and their four children. Bull is a tough and demanding father who wants his children to be disciplined and hard-working. He runs his household like a military unit, with strict rules and harsh punishments. He is also a heavy drinker and a womanizer, which adds to his erratic behavior and unpredictable mood swings. Ben, the oldest son, is the most rebellious of the children and clashes frequently with his father. He resents his father's abusive behavior and overbearing personality and tries to find his own identity outside of his father's shadow. He also struggles with his basketball career, which is constantly under his father's scrutiny. Lillian, Bull's wife, is the glue that holds the family together. She is a supportive mother who tries to create a peaceful environment for her children and mitigate the damage caused by her husband's actions. She also struggles with Bull's infidelity and tries to find solace in her own hobbies and interests. The movie explores themes of family dynamics, military life, adolescence, and identity. It shows how a family copes with the pressures and challenges of military life, and how different personalities cope with a harsh and demanding father figure. It also highlights the complex relationships between parents and children, and how they shape their children's beliefs and values. Robert Duvall delivers a brilliant performance as Bull Meechum. He portrays the character's contradictions and flaws with depth and nuance, making him both intimidating and vulnerable. Blythe Danner also shines as Lillian, providing the heart and soul of the family dynamic. Michael O'Keefe delivers a convincing portrayal of Ben, capturing his confusion and struggles as a teenager trying to find his place in the world. The movie's soundtrack features a mix of classic rock and roll and dramatic orchestral pieces. The music creates a nostalgic and melancholic mood, underscoring the movie's themes of loss and regret. Overall, The Great Santini is a powerful and emotionally engaging movie that explores the complexities of family relationships and military life. The movie features excellent performances and a well-crafted story that resonates with audiences to this day.