Year of Release: 1992
Director: John Sayles
Starring: Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard, David Strathairn, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Leo Burmester, Angela Bassett, Sheila Kelly, Nora Dunn, Mary Portser, Tom Wright, Jennifer Gardner, Michael Mantell
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8
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Synopsis and Review:
Director John Sayles may be the perpetual unsung hero of American independent films. He started his career in the late 70s, but really blossomed during the 80s, where he wrote and directed films such as "Lianna", "Matewan" and "Eight Men Out". The 90s started with "City of Hope", quickly followed by this wonderful and little seen "Passion Fish", which popped at the Oscars of 1992 thanks to Mary McDonnell's wonderful performance and Sayles's wonderful script (both of course nominated). The film follows the story of May-Alice, a well known soap opera actress, originally from New Orleans, who is forced to return to her home town, and to her family house, when she suffers a dramatic accident which leaves her paraplegic. Forced to contend with new obstacles, May-Alice resorts to drinking, and goes through an array of nurses, all of which can't deal with her sarcasm, drinking and lack of initiative. That changes when Chantelle is hired. Dealing with her own ghosts of addiction and the consequences of her life choices, Chantelle is determined on keeping afloat and recovering her daughter. She sees May-Alice for who she is, and unlike everyone else, questions her, challenges her, propelling her in a different momentum in life.
"Passion Fish" is a film that manages to be smartly written (and observed), giving two central characters, the opportunity to be more than just a collection of cliches. No matter what their backgrounds or life choices have been, these are two women who live together by force of life circumstances, who learn from occurrences not only of their pasts, but also from their present, accepting all, as they shape the path they want to build for their future. It's the rare script that is filled with drama, but also humor, wit all the while immersing the viewer in the experience of what is living in the American South (Louisiana). In a way, it's the complete opposite of what Barbra Streisand's southern opus, "The Prince of Tides" was about: it's realistic, sentimental without being maudlin, and it provides an authentic look at what the south actually looks like. It's refreshing to witness two lead characters that are flawed, agonizing in a way, and still moving on with their lives, attempting to rebuild, while understanding that the world doesn't stop to assess anyone's pain. That pain exists, becomes part of who you are, and you keep moving forward (or sink in). The performances from all the cast are stupendous, with particular focus on Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodard, with stellar support from the always fantastic David Strathairn, Leo Burmester and Angela Bassett. The music from Mason Daring is impeccable, as is the cinematography from the incomparable Roger Deakins. A wonderful film always worth revisiting.
"Passion Fish" is a film that manages to be smartly written (and observed), giving two central characters, the opportunity to be more than just a collection of cliches. No matter what their backgrounds or life choices have been, these are two women who live together by force of life circumstances, who learn from occurrences not only of their pasts, but also from their present, accepting all, as they shape the path they want to build for their future. It's the rare script that is filled with drama, but also humor, wit all the while immersing the viewer in the experience of what is living in the American South (Louisiana). In a way, it's the complete opposite of what Barbra Streisand's southern opus, "The Prince of Tides" was about: it's realistic, sentimental without being maudlin, and it provides an authentic look at what the south actually looks like. It's refreshing to witness two lead characters that are flawed, agonizing in a way, and still moving on with their lives, attempting to rebuild, while understanding that the world doesn't stop to assess anyone's pain. That pain exists, becomes part of who you are, and you keep moving forward (or sink in). The performances from all the cast are stupendous, with particular focus on Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodard, with stellar support from the always fantastic David Strathairn, Leo Burmester and Angela Bassett. The music from Mason Daring is impeccable, as is the cinematography from the incomparable Roger Deakins. A wonderful film always worth revisiting.
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