I'm Not Rappaport is a 1996 American comedy-drama film directed by Herb Gardner and starring Walter Matthau and Ossie Davis. The story takes place in Central Park, in New York City, where Nat Moyer and Midge Carter, two elderly men, sit on a park bench and engage in their usual banter, observations, and philosophical musings.
Nat is a former left-wing activist and a raconteur who constantly embellishes his stories, while Midge is a mild-mannered African American who harbors a secret passion for art. They both suffer from health problems and disabilities, but they refuse to let them impede their daily routine, which involves feeding the pigeons, harassing passersby, and fighting against injustice.
One of their main foes is the building manager, who wants to evict Midge from his job, claiming that he is too old and unreliable. Nat decides to help Midge by creating an imaginary identity, a tough-talking union representative named "Murray," who threatens the manager with legal action and intimidation. The ploy works, and Midge is allowed to keep his job.
Meanwhile, Nat's daughter Clara, a drug addict and petty criminal, appears on the scene, demanding money from her father. Nat tries to reconcile with her, but she remains hostile and aggressive. At the same time, a young mugger named Gilley accosts Nat and Midge, threatening them with a knife. Nat manages to defuse the situation by tricking Gilley into thinking that he is a famous actor who can give him a job in the movies.
The film is a touching and humorous exploration of aging, friendship, and resilience, as well as a poignant statement on social and political issues. Matthau and Davis are both superb in their roles, displaying a natural chemistry and a blend of humor and pathos. The film won several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for Matthau.
