Forever Lulu

Forget all the analyses and comparisons and fan enthusiasm. Forget the stupid episode of Penelope Miller (playing a qualified psychiatrist) throw herself at a fellow air traveler (thank goodness they didn't add in a bedroom scene - that would really have driven the film off course!). This film is emotional, yes, but also real. I know individuals who have gone through torment like this. I am also impressed by the way in which each character came quietly to grips with his/her situation at the end. That was very perceptive of the makers because that was what would have happened. The way that Swayze's character communicates with his wife in the car on leaving the airport is very believable and makes you appreciate the work they are both going to put in to remake their marriage. Probably the whole ending winds you up so tightly because of Lauren Kinkade's song "Say Goodbye". She sounds so much like Sheena Easton and that made me sit up as SE and Melanie Griffiths have a Don Johnson connection. That would have been too much!! I'm really glad to have come across this DVD.

"Patrick Swayze and Melanie Griffith are 'Ben' and 'Lulu'. Years ago, they had an intense passionate affair, a relationship that ended very badly. Now, fifteen years later, he's a successful, married writer who gets a desperate call… Lulu needs his help. Chaotic and confused, she reveals a huge secret that they alone must deal with. Together, on a fiery cross-country journey they will find a new direction that points to their future," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.

The irrelevant opening has Ms. Griffith and Ryan Bollman (as Freddie) in a San Francisco home for schizophrenics, estimating the number of blow-jobs "Lulu" has given (he calculates the number to be 500). Then, a connection is made between Griffith and Mr. Swayze, as they separately watch a television airing of the "The Hustler" (1961); Griffith and Swayze recite, verbatim, the dialogue delivered by Paul Newman (as Eddie) and Piper Laurie (as Sarah).

Writer/director John Kaye has a good melodrama with the weakly titled "Forever Lulu" (strengthened to "Along for the Ride" for DVD release). But, the film is poorly structured, and looks rushed. The first thing I wanted to re-edit was the bar scene where Swayze re-encounters Griffith; she should have been introduced in long and/or medium shots, followed by a close-up. A later Griffith nude pool scene is much to staid; it should have been shot like Marilyn Monroe's swim in "Something's Got to Give" (1962).

I have met both Swayze and Griffith, and these characters remind me so much of the actors (which is not to say they are exactly like the characters). When watching Swayze during the film's early scenes, I caught on to a layer of sadness he is using for the characterization of "Ben". As the film progresses, a plot revelation confirms something more (sad) about his character. Swayze had a distant melancholy about him, even before his illness was diagnosed; and, I believe this quality, along with an open naturalness, drew you to him. An engaging man.

Griffith is also a lovely person, though quite unlike Swayze (apart from the flashbacks, their characters do not have much "chemistry"). Since Griffith may read this sometime, I met her at a 1980s party - she was (you were) there via a hairdresser friend and I with a DJ friend. We left for the patio to chain-smoke (Hey, Melanie, I quit!), and spoke about life's challenges… I didn't "go" to movies then, and was not aware of how popular an actress Melanie Griffith was; seeing her films now, I admire her work, and see some of the "Melanie" I met in the "Lulu" character.

****** Forever Lulu (7/7/00) John Kaye ~ Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze, Penelope Ann Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Director and writer John Kaye has put a lot of heart into the making of 'Forever Lulu'. With an innovative story he tackles lots of different themes of love like a love between a husband and a wife, an undying love between a two former lovers that was interrupted by a mental illness and a love between parents and children. Part of 'Forever Lulu' is a road movie and the viewer is given some wonderful glimpses of the American landscape. The story is tight and moves at a steady pace. On the flip side, I wonder why the Steven Bauer- Penelope Ann Miller track was left open to the viewers. The performances by the three main leads are great. It is finally good to see Melanie Griffith do something of note. Her subtle yet spirited performance and occasionally (but suitably) explosive scenes reflect her skills as a talented actress. Patrick Swayze too gives a nuanced and understated performance. Penelope Ann Miller is wonderfully pulls off a role that could have easily been messed up by a lesser actor. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Richard Schiff have small roles but they have a welcoming presence. I also liked the soundtrack which is whimsical at times and gentle at others. The film is quite well executed overall and I wonder why I had not heard much about it during the last years. The film was more than I had expected because given the recent track record of the three leads I expected a lesser film but instead got a pleasant surprise.

Where this film isn't a masterpiece by any means, it is certainly worth the time. Melanie Griffith shines in her role as Lulu and Joseph Gordon-Levitt stands out yet again in the role of Martin. Unfortunately, his time is much too brief in the film, as I think he's probably the most underrated actor today. He's extremely believable in his role and he showed us exactly how one would act in the situation his character was in.

Give the film a shot, it's worth the time- forget some of the characters Swayze has played in the past and look at him for the character he's playing now. Watch Melanie become Lulu... And lastly, you'll believe Gordon-Levitt is Martin in the awkward situation he's been thrown into.

Acting is an A, film is a B.

A soul-searching, touching film with excellent performances by all of the major characters. The film was in many ways much less predictable than I had thought it would be at the very beginning. Ms Griffin gives an excellent and totally believable performance; plus, an unusually clear insight into the mind of her character--not an easy task at all. I hesitated to buy this one, so I rented it. I am so glad I did...the movie was much more than I had expected from reading the cover and well worth the watch. On the other hand, I found it to be very unsettling and therefore am glad that I did not buy it because I will always remember this one clearly enough not to want to watch it again--it reaches deep into your heart. Highly recommended...