Review: DOWN IN THE DELTA [Miramax]
Starring: Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman Jr., Esther Rolle
Mary Alice, Loretta Devine, Wesley Snipes
Director: Maya Angelou
Review by: Joy Wyse, The SILVER Screen critic
Do not dismiss Down in the Delta as a `black' film. The feeling of family that it portrays applies to any and all ethnic groups. It is only the specific connection to slavery that sets it apart.
Alfre Woodard, as Loretta Sinclair, stars in a role that deserves an Academy Award nomination. She is the unemployed and unmarried mother of a 10 year old son, Thomas, and a 4 year old, autistic daughter, Tracy. She lives in Chicago with her widowed mother RosaLynn Sinclair. Loretta's sense of hopelessness is obvious as she turns to liquor and marijuana to make it from day to day.
Unexpectedly RosaLynn receives a letter from her brother-in-law, Earl Sinclair, who lives in Biloxi. It seems that there have been bad feelings between RosaLynn and Earl because of `Nathan'.
In desperation, hoping that life away from Chicago's crime-ridden streets can help her daughter and grandchildren, RosaLynn sends them to Biloxi, a `dry' area, for the summer. She believes that Loretta can work for Earl in his chicken restaurant and regain some self-esteem.
Upon arrival in Biloxi they are surprised to learn that Earl's wife, Annie, is in the final stages of Alzheimer's. Esther Rolle could possibly be nominated for best Supporting Actress posthumously. She is totally believable as the delicate Annie.
Wesley Snipes is listed in the credits as a co-Executive Producer, as well as appearing in a relatively small role as Earl and Anne's successful lawyer son. There are numerous supporting roles worthy of recognition by other family members as by Loretta Devine as Aunt Annie's companion.
Maya Angelou, in her directorial debut, creates a film as beautiful as her poetry. It is only in the final montage that her direction falters. The last few scenes are anti-climatic and unnecessary. It is because of this that I give it an A-. I hope that it gets the recognition that it deserves.
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES
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