The Only Thrill

A quiet treasure of a film with excellent performances by Sam Shepherd, Diane Keaton et al, about the choices we make played out against the back drop of the human heart.Keaton's performance is understated and powerful; Shepherd conveys the conflicts and anguish of his dilemna with every wry grin and sigh. Their chemistry is palpable.

This is a cute movie about a simple love story gone bad, when the man can't say I love you. For me, this kind of movie had the true spirit of American cinema. Not those stupid million dollars budget, special effects blockbusters with stars, violence, and no plot. The warm simplicity of this film shows me that USA can still do good movies without being stupid. Aging Diane Keaton is still charming and should be considered one of the best American actress of all time. I hope she will be with us for a long time.

Reece (Sam Shepard) is a used clothing store owner who meets up with Carol (Diane Keaton) when she asks for his help. She would like his referrals for potential sewing jobs, as she is a widow supporting her young daughter. Reece's wife is in a vegetative state, with no chance for improvement. Yet, despite the attraction between Carol and himself, Reece keeps Carol at arm's length and does not acknowledge his feelings. This goes on for years and years. Meanwhile, Carol's daughter falls for Reece's son but they, too, play a cat and mouse game for more than a decade. Seems Catherine, the daughter, wants her freedom and moves about the country, returning to connect with the son from time to time. Will anyone of these people wake up and smell the roses? This love story, with an only an undercurrent of emotion, might leave the viewer cold. The principal actors are all very fine but the story is a total downer, despite a bit of hope at the finish. The Texas setting is nicely realized and the costumes quite lovely, if that counts for much. If you love Keaton or Shepard, you might want to take a chance with this film. But, anyone who sits down to view the movie, beware. You will not be watching a typical love story, only a long drawn out look at the possibilities of romance.

The film grips you because of strong performances from Keaton and Shepard, with great help from the make-up department. The editing of the script may not be noticable in the beginning but as the film progresses one is mesmerised as the film captures time with deft strokes in the editing room. The film editor and the scriptwriter use two generations in tandem to reinforce the the central theme of love and miscommunication between individuals. The play itself is an interesting one but the film is able provide visual perspectives (the father in the old store among old clothes that needs better housekeeping as the film unfolds or the conversation at the edge of a cliff for a crucial turning point in the film) with a felicity that the stage could never offer.

The film may not be a masterpiece but is definitely interesting in the departments of acting, editing and scriptwriting.

I happened to catch this movie after it had already started on one of the movie channels. I probably saw about an hour of it and enjoyed it immensely. The actors were truly outstanding.

I was amazed when I viewed the credits to see that I had never even heard of this movie. I am wondering how such excellent acting was overlooked.

It is worth seeing and I look forward to seeing the whole movie.