Tennessee Valley

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.

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 story of reece (sam shepard) and carol (diane keaton, just after first wives), who meet in the 1960s. And continue that friendship for many years. Weird relationships with her daughter and his son tom, who also seem to have found each other. Tom has a friend ed that always seems to be there. Not sure why we're spending so much time following their kids around. Carol and her daughter both leave town. Can they pick up the pieces when they come back? So many things never got said the first time around. This is okay. Friendships, relationships. Some really good moments, but i wish they hadn't spent so much time following the kids around. Some of it felt like filler. Directed by peter masterson. Probably better known for his role in stepford wives.... the 1975 one. Original play written by larry ketron.

I watched this movie about three times. I think many people will see themselves, at least at some point in their life, as one of these characters. It may seem slow for those who want action.. but this is one of those movies that makes you think.. and hopefully teaches that if we don't communicate what we want, how can we expect to be understood? You have to make life work.

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.