Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's character depicts a psychologically damaged individual who fails to elicit any sympathy from this viewer. I do not know her performances in other movies, so it would be unfair to cast blame on the actress herself, but I have never seen a more conflicted, damaged, weak, unsympathetic characterization.
And then there are the closeups. Unlike other user reviewers, I fail to find Mastrantonio's features intriguing.
But the worst of it is the portrayal of an accomplished woman who could not possibly function with her frank psychological disabiities - every single nuance of infantilism is broadcast in close-ups, as though the viewer would not "get it" that the character is not ok. (Would a male actor be similarly portrayed? I don't think so. There would be a conveyance of strength). All this destroys the movie for me. But I will watch anything with the brilliant Gene Hackman.
And then there are the closeups. Unlike other user reviewers, I fail to find Mastrantonio's features intriguing.
But the worst of it is the portrayal of an accomplished woman who could not possibly function with her frank psychological disabiities - every single nuance of infantilism is broadcast in close-ups, as though the viewer would not "get it" that the character is not ok. (Would a male actor be similarly portrayed? I don't think so. There would be a conveyance of strength). All this destroys the movie for me. But I will watch anything with the brilliant Gene Hackman.