This is a powerful film with many scenes that stir the emotions.
Edna McCauley (Ellen Burstyn) receives seemingly supernatural or maybe even divine powers after an accident. Unlike the powers that Sissy Spacek received in "Carrie", and that many others have received – mainly in horror movies – Edna uses them to heal. In fact, the only person her unique gift hurts is herself; her life is overwhelmed by the effect her power has on others.
The film hasn't really dated, I remember seeing it on TV in the early 80's and I have never really forgotten it. It is gripping from start to finish and has more than one scene that will leave a lump in your throat.
This brilliantly original story explores Edna's relationship with her father and those closest to her. However, all her relationships become influenced by her mysterious and unasked for power. In fact, it seems as though the only person who keeps their balance as the story unfolds is Edna herself.
Set in a farming community in Kansas, her family, friends and neighbours are fairly religious by nature, but Edna attracts just as many sceptics as believers. Eventually, after things spiral out of control, she is forced to make a difficult decision about her future.
The production values of the film are functional more than inspired, however Maurice Jarre contributed a very good score; a return to form really, which along with "The Man Who Would Be King", "Witness" and "Moon Over Parador", is a step above his typical by-the-numbers scores of the 70's and 80's.
But the performances make this film. Ellyn Burstyn is brilliant – her performance allows Edna to be a woman first, a fact which is lost on nearly everyone who only see her great power as she lays her hands upon the afflicted to heal them. The other standout in the cast is Eva Le Gallienne as the wise and loving Grandma Pearl – the first to realise Edna's special gift. Sam Shepard adds an edgy element as Edna's unlikely lover, Cal, who can't come to terms with her power.
This film stays with you, and has an ending that is a choke-back-the-emotions moment if ever there was one, capping a unique movie experience.
Edna McCauley (Ellen Burstyn) receives seemingly supernatural or maybe even divine powers after an accident. Unlike the powers that Sissy Spacek received in "Carrie", and that many others have received – mainly in horror movies – Edna uses them to heal. In fact, the only person her unique gift hurts is herself; her life is overwhelmed by the effect her power has on others.
The film hasn't really dated, I remember seeing it on TV in the early 80's and I have never really forgotten it. It is gripping from start to finish and has more than one scene that will leave a lump in your throat.
This brilliantly original story explores Edna's relationship with her father and those closest to her. However, all her relationships become influenced by her mysterious and unasked for power. In fact, it seems as though the only person who keeps their balance as the story unfolds is Edna herself.
Set in a farming community in Kansas, her family, friends and neighbours are fairly religious by nature, but Edna attracts just as many sceptics as believers. Eventually, after things spiral out of control, she is forced to make a difficult decision about her future.
The production values of the film are functional more than inspired, however Maurice Jarre contributed a very good score; a return to form really, which along with "The Man Who Would Be King", "Witness" and "Moon Over Parador", is a step above his typical by-the-numbers scores of the 70's and 80's.
But the performances make this film. Ellyn Burstyn is brilliant – her performance allows Edna to be a woman first, a fact which is lost on nearly everyone who only see her great power as she lays her hands upon the afflicted to heal them. The other standout in the cast is Eva Le Gallienne as the wise and loving Grandma Pearl – the first to realise Edna's special gift. Sam Shepard adds an edgy element as Edna's unlikely lover, Cal, who can't come to terms with her power.
This film stays with you, and has an ending that is a choke-back-the-emotions moment if ever there was one, capping a unique movie experience.