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Reviews
Blue Sky (1994)
Jessica Lange deserved the Oscar
Although she doesn't look as great as she used to, Jessica Lange has gained depth as an actress : now you can see that she is fully mastering her art. She gives incredible nuances to her character and, supported by a splendid group of actors, completely lifts up this small, intimistic gem of a movie.
The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Beautiful portrait of an American couple
Bernardo Bertolucci does not really make fast-paced movies, let's face it. But very often (The Last Emperor, Last Tango in Paris, La Luna,) they're beautifully crafted character studies set in amazing landscapes. Bertolucci also handles his cast with great talent and the performances delivered by actors in his movies are always intense. Here Debra Winger is captivating, and aptly supported by John Malkovich and a strong supporting cast. The story slowly unfolds itself, and the nuances in the script, dialogue, cinematography and acting are splendid. The throughout subtle presence of Paul Bowles adds great melancholy. When I first saw it on the big screen, I left the theater in a state of total despair, because the characters are so miserable.
Black Widow (1987)
Great plot and excellent performances
The first time I saw Black Widow I was 13 and I didn't have a long movie history behind me, of course. I Hadn't seen any films noirs from the 40s or 50s, hadn't heard of Double Indemnity or Gene Tierney yet. So when I witnessed Theresa Russell's identity changes from classy businessman's trophy wife to tacky Texas doll to well-read ancient coin expert, I was in movie heaven. The revelation, though, did not come from Russell but from Debra Winger's performance : from then on I worshiped her and awaited her next role with feverish excitement. Now that I have viewed it about 1 million times on tape, I still think it's a terrific movie with great performances (actually Theresa Russell has rarely been better than here), and there are tons of stuff I love about it : the dialogue, the cinematography, the opening credits, the symbolic mini-scenes (think winger in the shower just before the wedding), Winger's looks. It's a cult classic, on my video shelf anyway.
Agnes of God (1985)
Fascinating character piece
In the world of movies in the eighties, Agnes of God is a true wonder : an intelligent film that carries more than one idea AND has its funny moments, beautiful cinematography, incredible casting, the most intense dialogue and some heavy drama. Jane Fonda has never been better. She builds a sensitive, complex character who has to deal with much more than she was originally willing for (her childhood, her faith, her identity, her age, Anne Bancroft as a controlling, protective nun, Meg Tilly as a supposed murderess of her own baby, and also a nun). The three actresses play beautifully together, immersed in a magnificent wintery Canadian landscape. This is American cinema at its best.
Carrie (1976)
Sissy Spacek, queen of horror
Somehow I think there's a sort of "master" performance in each specific movie genre (it's quite convenient when you think of all the subtly different movie genres there are) and the greatest performance in any horror movie dealing with paranormal phenomenoms (here you go) to date is Sissy Spacek in Carrie. What she does here is so special, so untouched by older movie references and so strong, that you wonder how you registered any of the plot, supporting cast or other element that make the movie work (although there are : Piper Laurie as Carrie's mother is amazing, the original novel by Stephen King is one of his best, and that also makes it work). Possible runner-up in that category : Amy Irving in DePalma's The Fury.