This was probably Nicole Kidman's breakout movie in the US to show that she could be a star without the help of Tom Cruise. However although she is very good as the simpering idiot who will do anything for fame, her performance is not quite as wonderful as all that. At times I had trouble understanding what she was saying since inbetween all the cute faces, she was mumbling. But it was good to see her in the days before she became the all-out diva that she now is -- and her basic talents are evident.
However I reserve my praise for the rest of the cast: Matt Dillon (whom we have established I like) as the doomed husband, Dan Hedaya as his father, Illeanna Douglas as his caustic sister (she was actually terrific) and even Joaquin Phoenix as the dopey high school kid that Kidman seduces. The film also had a wonderful ending which totally came out of the blue and wrapped up the action admirably. The movie should have finished there, but not knowing when enough is enough, the director added on some extra unnecessary scenes.
No comments:
Post a Comment