Carny (1980)

Best movie ever!

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

"Carny" doesn't really feature exemplary storytelling, but it's still a striking look into a world to which many of us are not privy. That would be the behind-the-scenes dealings in travelling carnivals. With story credit going to co-star Robbie Robertson - member of The Band and a real life former carny himself - director Robert Kaylor and Kaylors' wife Phoebe, it's an amazing display of sights and sounds in this sometimes seamy environment. Ultimately, the heaviest asset is the incredible atmosphere that Kaylor and his crew create.Gary Busey and Robertson are front and centre as members of this carnival troupe. Busey is a clown who sits in a dunk tank and taunts passers by. Into their lives comes a sexy teenager, Donna (Jodie Foster), who's tired of her humdrum small town existence and job as a waitress. So she joins them on the road, becoming part of their "family". Busey is very welcoming, but Robertson has his misgivings about her presence.There's a wonderful, star studded cast here, although some of the actors inevitably end up rather under utilized. Among them are Meg Foster, Kenneth McMillan, Elisha Cook Jr. (in one of his best latter day roles), Tim Thomerson, Teddy Wilson, Bert Remsen, Craig Wasson, Robert DoQui, and Fred Ward. Bill McKinney and John Lehne are perfectly hate worthy as a shady businessman and his henchman who cause problems for our heroes. (Not content to rely on actual law enforcement, Busey, Robertson and company enact their own form of justice.) Busey is very likable, in one of his better film roles, and Foster very appealing. Robertson, of course, looks completely at home.The production design (by William J. Cassidy) and cinematography (by Harry Stradling Jr.) are first rate, and this film also makes use of some real sideshow attractions. The tale actually gets a little twisted towards the end; coupled with some profanity and some T & A, "Carny" does earn its R rating. It also has an excellent music score by Alex North.Overall, an interesting film worthy of discovery or re-discovery.Eight out of 10.

If this didn't feature Gary Busey or Jodie Foster in it then this could easily be classed as an avant garde film. There is virtually no plot, just a cascade of freaks, fights and sex scenes. I'm not sure if it's any good - it seems unsure whether it wants to be arty or straight forward - but it's certainly interesting. Worth a look.

This is a really good entertaining movie. This is a dark comedy/drama that looks great on the screen. Not the average fare. Great cast with good acting and direction. Pretty bizarre and a good role for Jodie Foster. A real sleeper worth viewing.

Good movie they should make a Carny 2 with all the same characters as in the first movie. Jodie Foster was great in that movie, same with Gary Busy. though it was bad in one part,Jodie Foster had sex with someone else.