The Thing Called Love

Aspiring songwriter Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis) takes the bus from NYC to Nashville. She arrives too late for an audition along with James Wright (River Phoenix). One week later, they make it to the audition as well as Kyle Davidson (Dermot Mulroney) and Linda Lue Linden (Sandra Bullock). Only James make it but the foursome start a friendship and more.

This Peter Bogdanovich film has four great young stars. In fact, River's star dims about a month after this movie's release. This seems to be set up to be a great movie. Although I like Mathis, Phoenix is probably the more compelling actor. It would be even crazier if Bullock got the Miranda Presley role. The stories are a bit soapy. The songs are fine. It's just great to see Phoenix before his early death and an up-and-coming Bullock. Otherwise, it doesn't standout more than that.

If you love country music, then this movie will treat you to some real musicians, like Trisha Yearwood and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, as well as some talented young actors like Samantha Mathis and River Phoenix doing their own vocals while in character. But for my money, there is but one real reason to watch the movie, and her name is Sandra Bullock, playing the one and only Linda Lue Linden. In this movie, penned by Horton Foote and directed by Peter Bogdanovich (and not truly the best work of either man), a fairly routine plot of a girl straight off the bus from New York (Mathis) who is chasing her dream to be a successful country singer-songwriter unexpectedly has several firecrackers go off in our faces whenever Bullock bursts onto and into the scene. If you have trouble picking out the performers who will one day rule the screen (big or the small TV screen), then study what Ms. Bullock does with this relatively minor supporting character. She creates a three-dimensional, fully formed, very memorable human character out of whole cloth and bailing wire, and hence she is virtually the only thing about this movie that I do remember all these years later. The movie without her is 3-4/10, but with her I give it 5-6/10. +2 for Sandy!

Thanks to Peter (Bogdonovich) for participating in this project/getting the movie re-released. Admittedly, it's not for everyone, but then, even the director admits it in his interview. In fact, he points out it's rather become a "cult classic" and I agree. So truthfully, I tell those who might view these commentaries, that we seem to separate into two camps: those who enjoy the entertainment value, and those who do not.

The film was not made to create any particular lessons, change your point of view about anything, in fact, it wasn't even written in such a way that any of the "players" were gonna become famous for their roles. Nevertheless, the film creates some interesting characters, characters whom all but the coldest-hearts-would certainly pull for as the movie unfolds. Also, the actors do an amiable job of creating endearment as they evolve a bit from beginning to end. Beyond that, there is also a terrific soundtrack of country music for those who love the genre, including three versions of "Blame It On Your Heart".

I sadly look over my shoulder to the memory of River Phoenix and may now be reminded of what a talent he truly could have developed into. And again viewing the movie, I found myself more forgiving to the original headlines of how/who may have brought about his demise. Each character in this movie brought something with them that still makes me a fan. Yes, I give the movie a "7", but, as with Samantha's little song near the end of the movie, this feature is on my wall of favorite dvds to stay!. I do hope others will join me in enjoying it's return to our screens. RLjr

Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix).

"The Thing Called Love" (1993) failed miserably at the box office but it's a pretty solid drama revolving around the music biz in Nashville.

The film isn't redneck-y at all (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol); the people are genuine and likable, if sometimes annoying. The movie has a hip flair and is filled with newer country music (for 1993, that is). Aside from trying to make it in the music business the story naturally revolves around Kyle and James' attraction to Miranda and their ensuing rivalry.

The film never cops a meanspirited vibe, despite one brawl. The viewer gets the impression that these are good, talented people who will remain friends no matter what.

A couple of things make the film worthwhile, for me anyway. One is the magnetic performance of River Phoenix, who was 22 during filming. His face looks like Quorthon of Bathory (when he was in his 20s), if you're familiar with that obscure metal band.

He exudes the brooding charisma of Marlon Brando, just different. Unfortunately, three and a half months after the movie's release River was found dead outside an L. A. nightclub due to an overdose. He was only 23. Samantha Mathis (Miranda) was dating him at the time.

Speaking of whom, Samantha is the second key highlight of this flick wherein she even outshines Sandra Bullock. Keep in mind that this was the year before Bullock's breakout with "Speed." Samantha's beauty is captured well in a couple scenes, like around the 40-minute mark when Linda Lue's beau is passed out on the bed. It's too bad Samantha never broke-out, like Sandra. Her most popular flick is arguably "Broken Arrow" (1996) and then she pretty much disappeared from feature films.

A few country stars have cameos, like Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis.

"The Thing Called Love" may not be a great country music film like "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980) but it's pretty solid and highlighted by the brooding charisma of River Phoenix. He was great and it's a pity he died so prematurely.

The film runs 1 hour, 56 minutes, with the the Director's Cut running a couple minutes longer. It and was mostly shot in Nashville, with one scene done at Graceland in Memphis and another one in Santa Clarita, California (the bus stop / cafe sequence where Miranda writes a song).

GRADE: B-/B.

I rented this movie last summer after having never even heard of it, I just picked it up because it had River Phoenix in it and he was, of course, quite the hottie :) Anyway, I've never been into country music but I LOVED this film! It deals with that whole scene and has great songs in it-- especially the one that Samantha Mathis' character writes and sings at the end. Plus the movie has one of Sandra Bullock's early performances, which is great. And yes, River also does his part to make the film very watchable! If you haven't watched The Thing Called Love, go pick it up-- you'll be pleasantly surprised.