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6.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Have a Heart remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like movies that feel like a snapshot from a dusty scrapbook, then sure, go for it. People who want big, loud drama are going to be bored to tears. This is for the folks who like watching characters just sort of hang out in living rooms and argue about money.
Honestly, the whole thing is pretty slight. It’s not trying to change the world, just tell a story about two people who are constantly broke. It reminds me a bit of the vibe in Just Around the Corner, where everyone is just one bad day away from losing their apartment.
Jean Parker has this way of looking out the window that makes the whole room feel smaller. It’s not a big performance. It’s just... quiet. She’s saving every penny for this surgery, and you can almost hear the gears turning in her head every time she counts her change.
Then there’s Jimmie, the ice cream guy. He’s the kind of guy who probably trips over his own feet, but he’s trying. His scenes have this weird, jittery energy that I didn't expect. It’s not polished, but it feels real.
The pacing is a bit of a mess, honestly. Some scenes feel like they’re stuck in quicksand. You’re waiting for someone to say something, but they just stare at a lamp instead. It’s a little awkward, but in a way that feels intentional? Maybe it’s just the film stock showing its age.
It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s got heart. Sometimes that’s enough. It’s definitely more grounded than the histrionics you’d find in something like Romeo and Juliet, which is a weird comparison, I know. But it feels like they’re both dealing with love that’s destined to be a disaster, just on a much, much smaller scale.
Don't expect the world. Just expect a rainy afternoon, a lukewarm cup of coffee, and two people trying their best not to be miserable. That’s the whole movie. 🍦