Sensibility and Sense

This is one of those rare things, a play that actually works as a film. Filmed in New York on one set, this is a very well made 'talking picture'- three older people get together and talk about their lives and their past together, and we see them both as old and young. The great Elaine Stritch is played young by Lili Taylor, and they're both marvelous and angry. Tom Aldredge is played young by Eric Stoltz, and they're both terrifically needy and smart, and Jean Simmons is played young by Trini Alvarado, and they're both just lovely. All the actors really nail it, and of course they're helped by a really great script. The story of lost idealism and love and choices is rarely done well, but this one did it. Featuring a whip smart script and a great supporting roles played by Jeffrey DeMunn and Lori Singer, this is one to watch for. I saw it on PBS and am still waiting for it to come out on DVD. In fact, I wish the whole series of "Great Performances" was available to rent. I remember they did a lot of plays in the 70's that I'd love to see again.

I was saddened when I watched the taped live production of Sensibility and Sense. Elaine Stritch poured her heart into her performance, and Jean Simmons showed as much emotional turmoil as her character would allow. Both women tried so hard, and while it was clear they both had acting chops to show off, the script was so incredibly lousy, I doubt half the people who started watching it even made it to the end.

This is not a spoiler, but there's absolutely no correlation to Jane Austen's classic novel. The main characters are named Elinor and Marianne, but there are no more similarities in character or storyline. Elaine and Jean are reunited after a long absence, and it's clear they have a terribly painful past. The scenes alternate between the present time and flashbacks to the ladies when they were younger, so that the audience can slowly piece together the mystery of why they hate each other so much. Unfortunately, there's very little to be understood. The scenes with the younger actors are boring and don't really make sense when referenced in the other scenes. The script (in both time periods) digresses to political arguments, fights without provocations, and confusing upsets. I really felt so sad, when Elaine Stritch cried out, "She hurt me!" in a voice cracked with emotion, and when Jean Simmons would blink back tears during a monologue. They tried so very hard. I only wish they'd been given a better script to exercise their talents.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie is not your friend. The entire film is filmed as if the camera was on a boat, and through a fish-eye lens. The camera repeatedly swerves, dips, and zooms without warning, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"