8 reviews
Everyone views movies differently. I for one didn't think we were meant to wonder who was crazier Mabel or her husband. Cassavetes makes a strong, bold (and rarely voiced) point...it is the husband! Mabel loved her children, loved to dance and sing and for that she was committed. Her "unidentified mental illness" seems to intensify when her husband mistreated her and was physically or verbally violent...in my opinion going a bit crazy after someone slaps you is probably healthier and saner than being polite, demure, and rational.
Mabel loves life, shows her love without apology, and is severely punished for it. Everyone else in the movie struggles to calm everyone down and avoid showing too much emotion. While this may be more socially acceptable it isn't sane or even healthy. Humans are emotional beings...I for one say Brava! Mabel.
I think the director tips his hand and proves his point when Mabel's character comes home from the institution. She hasn't seen her children, husband, and family for 6 months and people assault her, some she has never even met, before she even leaves the car. When she does get inside the safety of her own home the people who put her away and told to forget the past greet her with small talk and politeness! Then when she finally sees her children after being told to "wait a minute" she says to herself that she wants to remain calm and show "no emotions." It seems obvious that this is a perfectly acceptable time to be emotional but fresh from the institution she know being normal doesn't allow you to be emotional. Emotions are scary, messy, and inconvenient and I for one am thrilled that John Cassavetes didn't shy away from them.
This movie is a true original.
Mabel loves life, shows her love without apology, and is severely punished for it. Everyone else in the movie struggles to calm everyone down and avoid showing too much emotion. While this may be more socially acceptable it isn't sane or even healthy. Humans are emotional beings...I for one say Brava! Mabel.
I think the director tips his hand and proves his point when Mabel's character comes home from the institution. She hasn't seen her children, husband, and family for 6 months and people assault her, some she has never even met, before she even leaves the car. When she does get inside the safety of her own home the people who put her away and told to forget the past greet her with small talk and politeness! Then when she finally sees her children after being told to "wait a minute" she says to herself that she wants to remain calm and show "no emotions." It seems obvious that this is a perfectly acceptable time to be emotional but fresh from the institution she know being normal doesn't allow you to be emotional. Emotions are scary, messy, and inconvenient and I for one am thrilled that John Cassavetes didn't shy away from them.
This movie is a true original.
One of the campiest movies of the 90's. If you take this movie as a trashy comedy...it's wonderful. If you go in thinking its a drama, you'll be completely disappointed. The acting is over-the-top, the dialogue is outrageous, and the plot is down right crazy. Not a dull moment. It's one of my all time favorite movies. It's in that category of "It's so bad, it's good". If you like campy movies. This one is definitely for you! 10 out of 10!
This movie is sooooo campy! I'm telling you...the dialogue in this movie is down right funny. When I rented it (and later bought it), I just wanted it cuz it looked really funny. However, it was not only funny, it's extremely erotic & kinky. I highly suggest this movie to anybody that is looking for a good laugh, very bisexual, and down right horny! This movie is a real shocker! Pure Cult Classic! 10 out of 10.
I paid about $90 for this video about 10 years ago (no joke). But it was worth every penny. If you are a Madonna fan, you must own this. I hope it comes out on DVD someday. Nobody (even Madonna) will ever be able to top this concert. She was at the top of her career at this tour. The dancing is incredible and the sets are amazing. She's got more energy in this concert than anybody I have ever seen. This hard to find video is definately worth keeping your eye out on Ebay.
If you are a cult addict like me, you'll love this film. This movie is from the same director who did the 70's cult film "Bone" (which i highly recommend). I love strange, cheesy, campy movies...And this is definitely one of them. If i wanted something serious or mainstream, I'd go rent a Julia Roberts film (that's if I could stand her). This movie is not to be taken seriously and it's pure enjoyment from beginning to end. Not a dull moment. Plus, Traci Lords is in it... how could you not expect it to be a campy movie? I'm waiting for this one to come out on DVD to add to my cult collection.
Watching Julie Andrews call Ann-Margret a "Stupid B*@&h" was worth the price of this rental. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. And then i had to rewind it just to see it again. The plot has been done so many times, but it is definately worth it to see these two legends in the same film. Hell, i've definately seen a lot worse!
This is probably the best movie Rebecca De Mornay has ever done! Great Made for TV movie. It's a touching story of an ex-con (De Mornay)trying to get her life back together. Don't wanna give too much of the plot away. Rebecca De Mornay does such an excellent acting job. She makes you really care for the character! If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest it!