I saw this twice when it was playing so long ago in the theater, and in certain respects I loved it. A fan of the author's books, I was already inclined to like the film, but ultimately it didn't feel like the director could land it properly. I'm not entirely sure why that was, but my guess is that so much the source material is deeply "internal" which can be difficult to translate to the screen. And yet, for there are certain scenes that are as near perfect as can be. Vanessa Redgrave is so great throughout, and "dressed as a man" or not (I'm referring to another reviewers objections) she exudes a kind of pent up sensuality and power.
Keith Carradine does his thing, and the actor who plays the hunched dwarf is especially good. The love trifecta plays out as somewhere between tragedy and farce, leaving one to contemplate just how "bound" we are to the bodies we are given on our stay here on Earth.
In tone the movie closely resembles something you'd associate with the Cohen Brothers, though this director seemed reticent to fully embrace the strangeness inherent in the writings of Carson Mcullars. Perhaps the real problem is that a film version might be better served by a woman director? When this was filmed though there were very few female directors in Hollywood. In any case, it's certainly worth a viewing for those looking for stories off the path a bit.
The film is further aided by excellent cinematography and a strong soundtrack composition.
Keith Carradine does his thing, and the actor who plays the hunched dwarf is especially good. The love trifecta plays out as somewhere between tragedy and farce, leaving one to contemplate just how "bound" we are to the bodies we are given on our stay here on Earth.
In tone the movie closely resembles something you'd associate with the Cohen Brothers, though this director seemed reticent to fully embrace the strangeness inherent in the writings of Carson Mcullars. Perhaps the real problem is that a film version might be better served by a woman director? When this was filmed though there were very few female directors in Hollywood. In any case, it's certainly worth a viewing for those looking for stories off the path a bit.
The film is further aided by excellent cinematography and a strong soundtrack composition.