Liebe ist nur eine Illusion

This movie doesn't have a lot of great visuals (with the exception of a quick shot of Kevin Kline's cute, naked butt). It doesn't have fast-paced action.....But the story and the acting make it a great film. Kline, Spacek, and Bedelia put in some great performances, and they make this film an intense drama, with their subtle and realistic portrayals. It's certainly not the best film any of those actors ever did, but it is truly a joy to watch them in.

I was vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland when this film was being made. I remember hearing on the radio that the production crew was looking for background extras for some early scenes in the film. I wish I had tried out for one! I have always had a soft spot in my heart for this film, not simply because I love Ocean City, but because this movie is proof that a simple story, told with honest sincerity, can rise head and shoulders above flashy production values and overblown dramatics. Spacek and Klein do quite well with their lead roles. Low-key dramas like this seem more down to Earth because this is how real people such as ourselves would act in similar situations. By wisely omitting any shots of the many high rise condominiums of northern Ocean City, the filmmakers have done an excellent job of portraying this as a small coastal town. If romantic sentimentality is not your thing, you'll probably yawn through this movie. But if you're the type of person to often look back and wonder "what if," then Violets Are Blue is certainly worth your time.

Have you ever imagined yourself going back to your birthplace after many years away? Well, imagine so. There you are, meeting your love from old times, now married. Would all that flame come back? What would happen? This film is about this. A very good option for a rainy Sunday afternoon. And Sissy Spacek, like always, shines.

Gussie Sawyer (Sissy Spacek) and Henry Squires (Kevin Kline) were high school sweethearts in a small seaside town. She left to be a globetrotting photographer, first for fashion and then news and finally war. After more than a decade, she goes home for a visit. Henry is now married to Ruth Squires (Bonnie Bedelia) with a teenage son.

I've never heard of this movie. It seems to be a minor flop at the box office. The cast is top level. Director Jack Fisk is married to Sissy. The writer is mother to a couple of big time Gyllenhaals. The question becomes whether these connections are enough. Certainly, they got some big name talents to join the project. That does make this intriguing simply for their presence. The premise is fine if somewhat challenging. After all, they are breaking up a happy family. The pacing is leisurely like the location until the dinner. Then it's a leisurely jog. The story is simple. This is most intriguing for individual moments of performances.

Basically the flick's a one-note romantic beat whose steady repetition sags over time, despite the compelling end. Actually it's a Spacek showcase as she's up-close in most every scene. In fact, I've almost got her nubile girlish features memorized, despite her being near 40 and without noticeable make-up.

So, movie-wise, will Spacek and lover-boy Kline finally get together after so many years apart. They appear made-for-each-other both professionally and romantically. Trouble is he's now married with a growing son, and living an editor's life in his and Spacek's home town. Meanwhile, successful photo-journalist Spacek suddenly returns from abroad to apparently rekindle their mad love from years before. So what will happen as they re-engage, while Kline's dutiful wife (Bedelia) looks haplessly on.

Now had the script and director played up the drama inherent in the material, it might have worked. But they don't. Instead it's a steady stream of Spacek close-ups as she and Kline cavort romantically. And unless I missed something, we never do find out what kept them apart for so many years after their initial fire-up. Also, the spotty conflict between wild horses vs condo clearances just drops in loosely despite its potential that would have added needed flair. Then too, more scenes of actress Bedelia would have added a vivd presence and much needed drama.

Anyway, it helps somewhat that Spacek delivers a lively engaging performance. However, Kline appears just going-though-the-motions, which may be because Spacek's real-life husband Fisk is directing and clearly favoring his wife camera-wise. All in all, I can see why this rather dull 88-minutes soon fell into obscurity. Still, Spacek not only survived but soon flourished.