Leaving Normal (1992) User Reviews

Leaving Normal-- unexpectedly good

[mlturner · 8/10 · 19 June 2000]

I really liked this movie. When I saw the cover in a local video rental, I thought it would be a cheezy Thelma & Louise knock-off. I was wrong.

I was impressed by the performances of Lahti and Tilly. While a bit odd and quirky, the characters were also real. Both women annoyed me at times but I could also feel sympathy for them. Some parts of the movie were kind of dreamy and surreal, which gave the film more character. The wilderness backdrops were breathtaking. I laughed my butt off on several occasions.

In all, this was a really cool movie. It's not for all tastes but I think it's worth viewing.

Surprising

[jeeper_white · 8/10 · 24 January 2004]

I only saw 'Leaving Normal' because it was on Sky TV one night and there was nothing else on, so, I decided to watch it. I wasn't expecting much of it, as most things on that last at night are usually things that are too boring to be on earlier. However, I was very surprised by it, I actually enjoyed it. It's a story about the friendship between Darly and Marianne, who met at a bus-stop after Marianne ran away from her abusive husband. Darly is going to Alaska and decided to take Marianne along with her, sort of like a daughter figure. Marianne always likes to look on the bright side of things which leads her into bad situations. Darly is assertive but good-natured, she means well. And because she was so witty it made the film much more enjoyable. The first half of the movie is a road-movie, Which consist of the troubles they face of trying to get to their destination, and when they get there, they want to leave, at least Darly does. It's a light-hearted drama and all ends well. Worth a watch.

Quirky and flawed, but nevertheless touching and truthful ...

[cafm · 8/10 · 20 August 2013]

I saw Leaving Normal during its original theatrical release and watched it again recently after purchasing the film on DVD. My friends and I really enjoyed this film when we saw it back in 1992, when we were big into early 90s quirk with films like What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Gas Food Lodging, Simple Men and Surviving Desire. Leaving Normal fits quite neatly into this group of films. It also reminds me of one of my all-time favorite and most watched films, which also happens to be a story about an unlikely female friendship, Bagdad Cafe (1987).

It's difficult for me to assess Leaving Normal with any sense of objectivity. When I watched it again recently, I was overcome with a sense of nostalgia for the early 90s when I was in my early 20s and was yet to make some pretty dumb decisions with my life (it all turned out okay though). I don't think the film has aged especially well (I'm thinking about some shoddy matte paintings) and its quirkiness may just annoy some people, but it has enough to offer the casual viewer to be entertaining. If you are fortunate enough to be open to its sincere message about the universe having a place for everyone (if we will just let go and allow ourselves), then you may find that you bond with Marianne and Darly and all the offbeat characters they meet on their journey towards wholeness. You may then find that you make a space for this little film in your heart, like most of the other reviewers on this site.

Palmer Valley, Normal, and Paradise

[Into_The_West · 6 September 2003]

I have often been surprised "Leaving Normal" does not have a "cult following." Often compared to "Thelma and Louise," it may begin along similar lines, but it's ultimate destination is quite different. It is not a film about women's issues, but _human_ issues, more specifically, how we get to happiness, or how it gets to us. It addresses those issues unforgettably.

[some spoilers]

Marianne Johnson has been running to what she thinks are solutions, but which turn out to be bigger problems. Now in a marriage with an abusive husband in Normal, Wyoming, she runs again, not toward a new solution, but to a bus bench, where she meets Darly, a barmaid who is leaving to claim property in Alaska.

They head off together, and inspired by Marianne's disastrous choices, Darly makes Marianne take a vow to let their path be totally dictated by chance. Along the way, there are successes and more disasters, as well as revelations about Darly's past that reveal she, too, has chosen to run, with disastrous consequences.

They arrive in Palmer Valley, Alaska to far less than what Darly expected but which Marianne curiously feels she wants to live with because "it chose me." Darly, however, despite her talk of letting things just happen, must run away again. By throwing a dart at a map in a local bar, Darly picks a new place to run to, ironically named "Paradise." In the end, though, Darly's actions to get her the money to get her to Paradise only end up forcing her to confront what running away before did to her life.

The film is a fable, but one that teaches its lessons about life and the choices we make transparently. Often hysterically funny, it can also be deeply moving and intensely disturbing. Nonetheless, it generates forgiveness and understanding for even the most reprehensible characters in it, ultimately making us believe happy endings can happen, it's just that they may not be the happy endings we were looking for.

Credit the remarkable performances of just about the entire cast, but especially Christine Lahti as Darly and Meg Tilly and Marianne, as well as the perfect script by Ed Solomon (who also has a bit part as the man who rejects 66 at the dance club).

good duo

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 23 July 2016]

Marianne (Meg Tilly) had many last names and a roaming mother. She eagerly arrives at Normal, Wyoming as the wife to Curtis Johnson. She leaves after he hits her. She's tired of her nomadic life. Darly Peters (Christine Lahti) is a waitress, former stripper, and part Eskimo who is going to Alaska to claim a home that her ex-husband had supposedly built. She gives Marianne a ride to Marianne's conservative sister Emily Singer in Portland. Marianne decides to run off with Darly to Alaska. After their car gets trashed, they hitchhike with truckers Harrison Rainey and Leon (Maury Chaykin). They run off on the guys and find waitress 66.

It's a sort of Thelma and Louise without explosions, Brad Pitt, or police chases. Meg Tilly does her damaged character and Lahti does her sassy brash character. They are a good duo. The story is a bit rambling. Once they get to Alaska, the story loses its kinetic drive.

Americana Fantasy

[stugood-07006 · 6/10 · 4 January 2023]

Christine Lahti is an underrated and understated jewel of a character actress, despite much of the cliche she has been given to work with here. Much the same can be said for Meg Tilly, although she's given a bit more freedom to be slightly more enigmatic playing the younger character beset with different troubles.

Leaving Normal reminds me of a few earlier nineties films, and that's not a problem at all. Whilst Thelma & Louise is hard to put out of mind, beyond the basic premise of two women on a road-trip in the early '90s, this film fulfills more of the quirk and whimsical aspects of that era of movie making, rather than anything truly gritty. Nonetheless, it's certainly delightful and can linger in the memory long after.

Heartfelt and funny.

[kay.franey · 9/10 · 5 June 2000]

The movie had a lovely opening with Meg Tilly confiding to a series of fellow passengers on a Greyhound Bus, that she is sure her life was about to change, even though she was marrying a person she did not know very well. About two minutes later, she is back out on the road, illusions shattered. Her character(Marianne) bumps into Christine Lahti, who is also ready for a change, after burning just about everybody who has ever be-friended her. So, Marianne-Pollyana and the queen of bitterness take off for Alaska. Some of the surprises include a poet-trucker, and Christine's dancing abilities.

Good actresses can't break through the plastic coating...

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 6 February 2008]

Before the advent of the Lifetime or Women's Entertainment networks, wherein made-for-cable movies regularly turn up about female bonding amidst great inner turmoil, something slight like "Leaving Normal" actually made a run in theaters; today, I doubt that would happen. Abused wife Meg Tilly hitches up with world-weary Christine Lahti for adventures on the road. It's a feminist comedy-drama with a few thoughtful things to say, but too much melodramatic nonsense and curious attempts at broad humor which do not work at all. Edward Zwick directed, and he gets this tale off to a shaky start (and Lahti, in particular, seems to struggle to find her character). It improves as it goes along, but not enough to make it a memorable trip. ** from ****

Moving, funny and sweet

[kline-2 · 10/10 · 7 February 2000]

When I watched Leaving Normal, I found that Meg Tilly and Christine Lahti made the perfect best friend team. Tilly and Lenny von Dohlen made the perfect couple, yet funny with it. Von Dohlen has some funny moments and he is very, very sweet with it (especially when he's crying in the truck after reading a sad story). This a very underrated movie that has an excellent cast.

Normal...not just a (fictitious) town in Wyoming

[Berta-4 · 3 August 1999]

No, there is no such place as Normal, Wyoming...except maybe on a psychological landscape. Leaving Normal is the story of an unusual journey and friendship. Meg Tilly as Marianne Johnson is a wide-eyed naif who has never made a good decision in her rambling life. Christine Lahti (now seen on ER) is a cynical cocktail waitress whose choices haven't been much better; together the two somehow cobble a relationship that enriches both, as well as some oddball others. They travel to Alaska, where each finally has the room she needs to build a life. You will probably find this movie in the comedy section of your video store, but it doesn't really belong there, even though some of the dialogue is HILARIOUS. Some nice cinematography, particularly the 4th of July scenes and the aurora borealis. The coffee mug motif is pretty cool, too. Will appeal to anyone who liked Thelma & Louise or Fried Green Tomatoes but wished the heroines of these would have been alive at the end. See it!

A journey that takes you along for the ride!

[miknerak · 10/10 · 10 February 2007]

The first time I saw this movie I was unsure if I would like it. I just saw it sitting on the shelf in my local video store and it intrigued me. I rented it, took it home, and popped it into the VCR. I sat back and was taken to another place. I laughed. I cried. I became a part of the story. No other movie has affected me in such a way. I find that dialog from the movie has worked it's way into my everyday speech patterns. I find myself wanting to make a journey where I make no decisions, where fate takes me where it will. I find myself laughing every time I see "flan". I highly recommend this movie to everyone, not just women. It is sweet and tender and hard and real all at the same time. Just watch it. You will love it!!!

One of my all time favourites

[johnny-3012 · 10/10 · 12 October 2019]

Warm, funny, touching and a journey. A very underrated wonderful film.

For me 10/10.

An overlooked film that deserves to be seen...

[elliottrainbow · 6 September 2002]

While this road trip movie isn't as good as Thelma and Louise, it really shouldn't be compared. The two films are very different. While Thelma and Louise are on the run the police, Mary Ann and Darly (the two main characters of Leaving Normal) are only on the run from themselves. Meg Tilly and Christine Lahti play the title characters with just the right touches of naivete and cynicism. Mary Ann is leaving a bad marriage (her second) and Darly is heading to Alaska to reclaim land from an earlier marriage. Their paths merge in Normal, Wyoming and they set out on a road trip that changes both of them. A few of the scenes (thankfully very few) don't seem to work - almost as if they were added for comic effect. Both actresses give great performances. If you can overlook a few plot problems (their new overweight friend Sixty-six seems to find a rich man and leaves all of her belongings behind with Mary Ann and Darly all in the same day) I think you'll find this movie to be an enjoyable and touching tale. The tag line of the movie is: Sometimes the only way to find where you're going is to lose your way. I don't know about you, but in my life that has been true more than a few times. Oh, be sure not to miss the best scene in the whole film. When returning to their car with coolant after it has overheated to find the car stripped and their possessions strewn everywhere Mary Ann (always trying to believe things will work out) says, "We'll still get there. We'll still get to Alaska." Cynical Darly gets the best line in the film, "You're just like a punching bag aren't you, Mary Ann? Knock you down and you get back up. I bet you're one of those people who say when life gives you lemons make lemonade. Well, guess what, sweetheart, life hasn't given us lemons, it's given us SHIT!" I laughed so hard the first time I watched this scene and it's still a line I quote on one of those days when nothing seems to go right. Rent this movie and you won't be sorry.

I have watched this movie at least 100 times

[dcsgirlie · 10/10 · 6 August 2001]

You know when you find one of those movies - and it just connects with some part of you, that may or may not be the sucker part?

Well this happened to me.

A friend left this movie at my house and moved away... one day, me and my best friend sat down to watch it. And cried.

It was a beautiful, if typical, chick movie, I loved the scenery shots, even if they were computer generated, I loved the little antics like "flan" no spoiler.. just a joke you will understand if you get off your butt and find this movie.. its great for girls.. boys may enjoy it but not nearly as much as a girl and her girlies :)

STOP referencing that garbage 'Thelma & Louise' movie.

[DriftedSnowWhite · 8/10 · 11 October 2022]

It dumbfounds me why anyone thinks that two women driving off a cliff is what women should do to have a good time. I find anyone who approves of 'Thelma & Louise' comatose? Moronic? I mean.. I mean..what is wrong with all of you who like that movie?

'Leaving Normal' results in no deaths. In fact, it brims with life. There are a number of wonderful surprises that a viewer won't anticipate. The women have the chops to see things through to a better life, even against the odds. Happy happenstance plays a big part.

The cinematography is superb. The actors were perfectly cast and expertly directed.

Has a "Thelma and Louise" feel to it, but with a totally different outcome.

[TxMike · 4 July 2002]

The title, "Leaving Normal", is clever because it refers both to physically leaving the fictitious town of Normal, WY, but more significantly, leaving the "normal" state of existence. Christine Lahti is the former dancer and waitress who never progresses beyond that, and Meg Tilley is the abused housewife who has made a series of disastrous choices in her life. As Lahti decides to do something different, and heads to Alaska to re-claim her old, unfinished homestead, she gives Tilley a ride.

They are unlikely road buddies, like Thelma and Louise were. Lahti is funny, daring, scheming (gets $100 from truck driver then slips out the window of the ladies room) and world-wise, while Tilley is just the opposite and insecure with her abilities. Ultimately they bring out the better persons residing in each.

Along the way their car breaks down, they get a ride with another lady pulling a trailer, then they are given her car and trailer when a wealthy bumpkin asks her to stay and marry him. They work their way to Alaska and look up the property, where the unfinished shell of a house still stands, weather-beaten. Through a lot of posturing, eventually they both decide to stay, we see the house being completed in a time-lapse series of shots. Lahti decides to try and find her daughter that she abandoned in the local hospital 18 years earlier.

Both act well, but Tilley is a joy to watch. Her portrayal of the half-ditzy, insecure woman is just perfect. Makes me wonder, whatever happened to Meg Tilley? She hasn't made a theatrical release movie since 1994. Unlike Thelma and Louise, where they drive off Dead Horse Point in Utah at the end, the lives of these two women literally begin as this movie ends. Seen on the "Women's Entertainment" channel, a really good movie, doesn't always take itself too seriously, and has an uplifting message. We are left to wonder if Lahti ever finds her daughter, whether Tilley's trucker friend ever shows up again. Maybe they considered a sequel, but the film wasn't popular to warrant that.

Great and underrated movie.

[astrautz · 10/10 · 20 March 2005]

I first watched this movie on Lifetime and found the story moving and satisfying. Who hasn't made mistakes in their life and felt like just chucking all of the decisions and leaving it to chance.

This movie is about two wanderers. One a cynic, and one naive and too trusting. It is about friends taking the chance at finding happiness.

I wish that this movie was more well known. Another in a long list that I wish were on DVD. I will transfer my difficult to find copy myself.

A more upbeat "Thelma and Louise". One of my favorite almost unknown movies. I wish that this had been the women's empowerment movie of the 90's instead of "Thelma and Louise". These characters are much more real.

roadtrip movie

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 18 November 2021]

Road trip film, stars meg tilly and christine lahti. Thelma and louise had just come out the year before, although they had trouble with the law in that one! In normal, marianne leaves her abusive husband, and .joins darly, who is going to alaska to reclaim her family property. They meet characters and learn lessons along the way. Good ones and painful ones. A lot of talk of fate. Choosing your path, or lettng life take you where it will. Fun ending. Quite different than thelma and louise. Good stuff. Directed by ed zwick. Won the oscar for shakespeare in love. Written by ed solomon, who also did men in black, bill & ted.

I consider this one of the best 5 movies I have ever seen.

[noskcire · 18 January 2001]

Reviews below are mostly right. This is a movie about hope, struggle, faith and miracles, everything Thelma and Louise was not. One woman who commits to everything, for a few minutes, another who commits to nothing, fall in with each other, to search for a place for them themselves. This is Frank Capra of the 90's. We may not always know where we are going, and sometimes we might just have to trust, but there is a place for us. If you follow the twelve step philosophy, you can find all twelve steps played out in here. (These are two women who came out of dysfuctional families). The characters are unforgettable, the humor warm and wild, and the relationship that builds from the first ten minutes to the last second of the closing credits should not be missed. I watch this movie every few months and remind myself that if we hang in there, there is a place for us, and almost always,it isn't what we ever expected. I have owned 7 copies of this movie and often give it as gifts. IF you missed it, watch it again. It's there!

Faces & Places

[phacifick · 24 August 2022]

I'm originally from Bloomington-Normal IL, and this movie connected with me. Maybe more because of later isolation in rural Mormon Utah though. Love Meg Tilly ever since seeing The Big Chill movie with my Pop as a child.

Lahti shines brightly

[lor_ · 11 July 2023]

My review was written in April 1992 after watching the movie at a Manhattan screening room.

Christine Lahti gives a powerhouse performance in the female buddy/road movie "Leaving Normal". Universal is following in the tiremarks of the similar "Thelma & Louise" and will have to work overtime to differentiate the two pics in the public's mind.

Edward Solomon's script uses the same launching point as callie Khouri's Oscar-winning "Thelma" screenplay: two women fed up with their lives hop into a convertible and motor down the highway.

Cocktail waitress Christine Lahti and battered housewife Meg Tilly meet in a parking lot, immediately bond and are soon headed from the small western town of Normal to Alaska where Lahti will laime her inherited home and land.

Their picaresque adventures differ from the Susan Sarandon-Geena Davis team, with no crime and little violence. First they stop off to visit Tilly's relatives in Portland and get an eyeful of the dreaded "perfect homemaker" existence (nicely caricatured by Eve Gordon as a sister).

After Lahti's GTO breaks down and is ransacked, they get a ride from friendly truckers Maury Chaykin and Lenny Von Dohlen. Lahti's distrust of all men after having been burned too often nips this relationship in the bud, but Tilly is determined to pursue Von Dohlen some day.

Solomon's episodic screenplay has the duo's route and key decisions left to chance. Director Edward Zwick, who previously piloted the quite dissimilar nearly all-male war pic "Glory", uses optical effects, matte shots and other fantasy touches from the outset to avoid realism in depicting the women's fanciful saga.

Best segment memorably features scene-stealer Patrika Darbo as a chubby waitress with a funny way of speaking who briefly joins the troupe. She's comically written out of the film when Mr. Right appears and takes her away with him.

Not for all tastes, "Leaving Normal" has a serious undertone in its depiction of losers who keep struggling to assert themselves in an unfeeling and male-dominated world.

Though Lahti dominates much of the film as a brassy, tough-as-nails character, the waif-like Tilly gets to blossom in the final reel when she finally finds a home in Alaska and becomes the small town's cheerful mascot. A clever finale has the two women, still in a platonic, non-sexual relationship, settling down with a newly built home and ready-made family of two young Eskimo boys they've befriended.

Von Dohlen is very amusing as a modern-day Montgomery Clift type whose weeping while reading "The Grapes of Wrath" instantly wins over Tilly. James Gammon is excellent as a tough Alaskan who recognizes Lahti as a former topless dancer named Pillow Talk and hirese her for $500 as a prostitute. Also impressive in a small role is Rutanya Alda as a nurse who is initially unsympathetic to Lahti's quest to find her daughter she abandoned 18 years ago.

Ralf Bode's photography of awesome Canadian vistas is atmospheric and occasionally upstaged by the mattework night skies and other opticals. Tech credit are fine.