An unpolished script with a lot of potential. Unique but flawed.
Strengths: the director succeeded in creating a haunting film that really touched me. The film contains stunning visual contrasts like running water flowing in the midst of the dry desert, the Hoover dam towering out of flat vistas. Fantastic music--hard to describe, part native american, part celtic, and very beautiful. I wish I could buy the soundtrack.
Weaknesses: From the very first scene you are thrown out of the story because it doesn't look right. A woman walks down the street in high heel shoes after her car breaks down. She carries her luggage in one hand, so why isn't she wearing comfortable shoes? You will continue to be confused about her story far too long into the movie. The dialogue is unnatural and confusing.
The story is about a child-like housewife named Chrysty (Amy Brenneman) who leaves her home and family. In flashbacks we learn that she is emotionally fragile and has attempted suicide. We get snippets of info about her unhappy life, including her tense relationship with her eldest son, and the boring, unsatisfying relationship with her husband. We know she is emotionally wounded, but why she can't communicate or make changes in her life is unclear.
The supporting cast includes good actors like James Wilder, Dee Wallace, Kirstie Alley, and Kathy Najimy. The role of Chrysty's husband is played beautifully by Angus Macfadyen in a touching cameo. Some unexpected, but unrealistic humor comes near the end when James Wilder's character (Rip) pushes Macfadyen's character (West) around. It's not seeing Macfadyen's face flattened against the windshield that is funny, it's imagining a real fight between these two men--clearly, sexy Macfadyen could kick Wilder's handsome butt.
The end is bittersweet. You feel hope that Chrysty will heal herself and find her way back to her family. You are left with the idea that her traumas are emotional rather than physical, that she just needs time and space...but who knows? Maybe she's mentally ill, in need of chemical help. The end does not explain much. But it haunted me just the same.
Strengths: the director succeeded in creating a haunting film that really touched me. The film contains stunning visual contrasts like running water flowing in the midst of the dry desert, the Hoover dam towering out of flat vistas. Fantastic music--hard to describe, part native american, part celtic, and very beautiful. I wish I could buy the soundtrack.
Weaknesses: From the very first scene you are thrown out of the story because it doesn't look right. A woman walks down the street in high heel shoes after her car breaks down. She carries her luggage in one hand, so why isn't she wearing comfortable shoes? You will continue to be confused about her story far too long into the movie. The dialogue is unnatural and confusing.
The story is about a child-like housewife named Chrysty (Amy Brenneman) who leaves her home and family. In flashbacks we learn that she is emotionally fragile and has attempted suicide. We get snippets of info about her unhappy life, including her tense relationship with her eldest son, and the boring, unsatisfying relationship with her husband. We know she is emotionally wounded, but why she can't communicate or make changes in her life is unclear.
The supporting cast includes good actors like James Wilder, Dee Wallace, Kirstie Alley, and Kathy Najimy. The role of Chrysty's husband is played beautifully by Angus Macfadyen in a touching cameo. Some unexpected, but unrealistic humor comes near the end when James Wilder's character (Rip) pushes Macfadyen's character (West) around. It's not seeing Macfadyen's face flattened against the windshield that is funny, it's imagining a real fight between these two men--clearly, sexy Macfadyen could kick Wilder's handsome butt.
The end is bittersweet. You feel hope that Chrysty will heal herself and find her way back to her family. You are left with the idea that her traumas are emotional rather than physical, that she just needs time and space...but who knows? Maybe she's mentally ill, in need of chemical help. The end does not explain much. But it haunted me just the same.