We need a break from all of the superhero movies and romantic dramas. Let’s discuss the sentimental classic Harvey. Just a heads up! This gallery contains spoilers.
10. It’s The Better Version Of Donnie Darko
I’m sure you’ve seen Donnie Darko. It’s a cerebral tale of morality and time rifts that follows a boy named Donnie who is compelled to do strange things by his imaginary friend named Frank who wears a bunny suit. It’s a spooky and interesting film. But if you want a more light hearted movie that features many of the same tropes like an invisible rabbit friend, an overbearing older sister, and mentions of time travel, then Harvey may be the better film for you. Unlike Donnie Darko, this film has sweet themes of acceptance and a happy ending.
9. The Humor Is Subtle
If you want a slapstick comedy with wacky hijinks and blue humor, this movie may not be the movie for you. But if you want dry humor delivered by subtle yet brilliant actors then Harvey may be perfect for you. There are so many witty lines in the film that you may miss them all on the first watch. Every time you watch this movie you pick up on something new.
8. The Physical Comedy Is Hilarious
The physical comedy is just as subtle as the delivered jokes. But it’s still brilliant. Most of the physical gags come from Elwood physically interacting with an invisible rabbit whom the audience can’t see. But there are other gags throughout the film. One is almost raunchy. Well, as raunchy as it can be in a film from the 50’s. The gag in question features Elwood’s older sister Veta watching a buxom woman sing a song while her… “assets” bounce around.
7. The Movie References Folklore
This movie is perfect for lovers of myth and folklore. It is stated in the film that the titular character, Harvey, is a pooka. A pooka is a trickster fairy spirit from Celtic mythology who appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one.
6. It Has One If The Sweetest Monologues In Cinematic History
At one point in the movie, Elwood is chased and eventually found by an arrogant yet well-meaning doctor and his kind nurse in a bar. Outside the bar, the doctor and nurse ask Elwood about Harvey and try to understand him. James Stewart delivers an endearingly thoughtful and philosophical monologue about how he met Harvey and how they spend their evenings making new friends in bars. That monologue earned Stewart an Oscar nomination. He totally should’ve won.
5. Josephine Hull Is a Camp Queen
Josephine Hull is a brilliant actress with excellent comic instincts and large expressive eyes. Her memory should be treated as reverently as we treat Bette Davis or Hedy Lamarr. While watching her portrayal as Veta Louise, you can’t help but be sympathetic towards her even though she is trying to get Elwood committed.
4. James Stewart Is Delightful
As I stated earlier, James Stewart was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Elwood P. Dowd. And I will reiterate, he should have won. He is so sincere and genuine in his portrayal that you won’t know where Stewart ends and Dowd begins. And his interactions with the invisible Harvey are so charming, you can’t help but smile while watching it.
3. You’ll Forget Harvey Isn’t Actually An Actor
Even though Harvey is invisible, you get the sense that he is there in the scene with the other actors. James Stewart really makes you believe that his giant rabbit friend is sitting right next to him or walking with him to the pub.
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2. The Message Of Acceptance
Throughout the movie, Veta Louise is trying to get her little brother Elwood committed to a mental hospital because she sees him as an embarrassment. But by the end of the film, she realizes that what makes him so different is what makes him so pleasant to be around, and she learns to accept him for the wonderful man he is.
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1. The Ending Will Make You Cry Happy Tears
At the end of the film, the older doctor and head of the hospital asks Elwood if Harvey can stay with him. Elwood acquiesces even though it’s clear that he is sad about it. As he leaves the property, he is stopped by Harvey. Elwood looks up at him and asks why he’s not with the doctor. After a moment of silence where the audience understands that Harvey is answering his question, Elwood smiles up at him and says “Well, thank you Harvey. I prefer you too.”
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