SEPTEMBER
A film review by Ritalynne Brechner
Copyright 1988 Ritalynne Brechner
We are told this disappointing film takes place in Vermont (Mia Farrow returns to Peyton Place?) but we never really know that, as not one shot is filmed out of doors. Action (?) takes place within the claustrophobic environs of a country house, with six characters pairing off into conversations that others intrude upon regularly. Even the choreography of this film is boring.
The conversations that do occur when the characters "relate" have to do with tales of unrequited love, passion fulfilled, pseudo-step-patricide, friendship betrayed, and other matters of depth. With drinks in hand--I don't remember a movie with so much liquid refreshment. Never a light moment. Or a refreshing one. Or a humorous one. Or ...
And all of this angst is relayed to us in what may be cartoon voices. Mia Farrow whines. Dianne Wiest sulks. Elaine Stritch has gravel on her tonsils. Eli Wallach whispers. Even Sam Waterston, normally a fine actor, kvetches.
I believe that sometimes we learn through other people's art. Sitting through this movie was an excruciating experience. I am hoping that in the future I will be able to use some of the pain to better my life. Else, there would have been no point at all to the $7 ticket price.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ritalynne Brechner RLBJJ@CUNYVM.BITNET John Jay College of Criminal Justice City University of New York (212) 489-5106
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