Ladies Room

Seeing John Malkovich and Greta Scacchi on the cover credits raised expectations, but this film was very disappointing in many ways. The director was apparently quite desperate to make this an "arty" movie, but the acting was very poor at times and the attempts at jokes were embarrassingly bad. I just couldn't believe that John Malkovich agreed to appear in such a low quality film....

This is an off-beat yet charming feminist comedy with a deft dialogue and great photography. The cast is top-notch, in particular Lorraine Bracco and Molly Parker. However John Malkovich's unconvincing turn as Italian Lothario Roberto is both funny and embarrassing but you wonder if that was the intention in this slyly witty Italian production set in Montreal. The conceit of the ladies room is handled well and becomes the centrepoint for anxiety and female companionship. This is, in effect, a celebration of female solidarity in a very surreal, Italian way with a quirky Canadian twist. It's not for everyone's taste but it's better than most films that call themselves comedy today. Expect the unexpected.

While the film is most definitely not what the video cover would suggest (a farce), it does turn out to be a wonderful surreal comedy, with (gasp!) a point to the story. I understand why some may be to say the least disappointed however, I found it to be very entertaining art piece, which is not easily done. Recommended for viewers who enjoy something a bit off (not in a screwball way, but in an artistic way). Those who are looking for a good classic farce (and I love a good farce) are better off with "Clue" or "Noises Off", two of my personal favorites.

After renting this movie, my wife and I were a little disappointed at the first. The movie was very slow to start and did not really get funny until the scene at the Opera House. The Bathroom scene was very funny. I'm not sure I would recommend the movie to others, but we certainly enjoyed it once it got moving. I would love to know who the lady was that was singing in the background music at the opera house. The credits were a little blurry and we could not really make out the name other than, Anna Liani. We would love to get some music by this very talented singer. Not sure if we have the name right, so if anyone knows her real name, please pass it along to us. :)

Phil Franklin Las Vegas, NV. 3/22/2000

I agree with the above review...truly dreadful.

This film wastes good actors like Greta Scacchi and Lorraine Bracco and even Mr Malcovich with a dreadful accent and playing his usual character doesn't help anything. The problem is that it starts so badly and the good parts come too late. The idea of mistresses meeting the wives of the men they are seeing in ladies toilets is a great one, and full of potency. However the director's use of theatrical devices reminds me of a 3rd year drama student's end of year performance. To further compound the comparison, they add a dash of lipstick lesbianism and there is even a large glass bowl of Ferrero Roche chocolates which are supposed to be a classy addition I suspect.

This film is just like an extended version of the Ambassadors ball.