The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is a 1968 drama film directed by Robert Ellis Miller. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Carson McCullers, which was published in 1940. The movie stars Alan Arkin as John Singer, a deaf-mute who moves to a small southern town and becomes a confidant and sounding board for several of its troubled residents.
Mick (Sondra Locke), a young girl who dreams of becoming a concert pianist, is one of the people who befriends Singer. Mick is initially hostile to Singer, but she soon sees him as a kindred spirit and someone who can help her realize her dreams.
Another significant character is Biff (Chuck McCann), a drunken, angry man who vents his frustrations to Singer. One of Biff's closest friends is Jake (Stacy Keach), a black man who struggles to come to terms with racism and prejudice.
Finally, there is Dr. Copeland (Percy Rodrigues), a black physician who is deeply committed to his people's struggle for equality. Copeland shares his many frustrations and anguishes with Singer, hoping to find someone who can understand and help him.
As the movie unfolds, all of the main characters come to rely on and seek guidance from Singer. However, Singer can only communicate with them through handwritten notes and gestures, which often leads to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is a powerful film that explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the human need for connection and understanding. The movie received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Oscars, including Best Actor for Alan Arkin and Best Supporting Actress for Sondra Locke.