Only When I Laugh (1981)
Grade: 48
Stage actress Marsha Mason is checking out of an alcohol rehab center, where she has spent the last three months. She is given a ride back to her New York City home by Toby (Joan Hackett), her best friend. Toby is a fading beauty who is obsessed with her appearance in an attempt to retain her looks and marriage. Jimmy (James Coco), her other best friend, is stocking the fridge and preparing the homecoming. Jimmy is a gay middle-aged actor. This being a Neil Simon play, there is lots of dialogue, which is supposed to be funny and heart-warming but mostly fails to be either.
Later, Mason meets her teenage daughter Kristy McNichol, who wants to move in and re-establish their relationship. Mason also meets her most recent ex-husband, who has written a play based upon their failed marriage, and wants her to play the lead. After first saying no to both McNichol and her ex, McNichol moves in, and Mason does the play. No one asks the question, who would want to see a play based upon a couple painfully arguing for two hours. I'd rather visit my dentist.
Mason develops an interest in her ex, buying him a present. But he brings his special other to "meet" her. She learns that Toby's husband has left her and filed a divorce. And Jimmy has been fired from his play. Mason uses all this bad news as an excuse to drink again, getting plastered, causing a scene. There is much dialogue and hand-wringing. Mason goes to bar late at night, hits on a guy there, who then follows her after she leaves, confronts her on the streets, and assaults her when she is less than friendly, giving her bruises and a black eye.
The next day, Mason must apologize and explain to her daughter, who decides to move out. We are supposed to cry. Mason wants to cop out of a lunch date, with McNichol and her father, who is another ex of Mason's. She says no, but shows up anyway, wearing sunglasses to cover her bruised eyes. We are supposed to stand up and applaud her courage.
Coco, Hackett, Mason, and McNichol were all nominated for Academy or Golden Globe awards. I am surprised that such an average film received so much attention.
http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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