Scarecrow

A forgotten gem from the early 1970s finally comes to DVD. Gene Hackman followed up The Poseidon Adventure with the role of Max, an ex-con looking to start a car wash in Pittsburgh. Al Pacino chased a little film called The Godfather with his role as Francis, Max’s sidekick after they meet up hitchhiking. Essentially hobos, the two work odd jobs as they trek across the country. It’s surprising that this film hasn’t gotten more recognition over the years. Hackman and Pacino are phenomenal, and director Jerry Schatzberg definitely had his day in the sun with this one. Hackman cites this movie as his favorite role ever, and Pacino is absolutely fearless with his character. Only bonus feature is a short making-of featurette. A nice, buried cinematic treasure.