skbrn

I'll comment more about this film later (just know that I think it's darn good cinema), however, I wanted to write a quick response to readers/viewers who think this is about life in 50's America. It's NOT; it's a send-up/homage to *films* of the 50's, in particular the soap- opera genre spearheaded by Douglas Sirk (not sure of the spelling). J. Moore is great as the protag; while the satirical nature of the movie could engender a lessor actor to go over the top a bit, Ms. Moore's portrayal is skillfully underplayed, well deserving of Oscar nomination. Dennis Quaid's portrayal of the wandering husband generated both anger and sympathy. His consuming desire for a "normal life" clashing with his deep need for male contact comes through loud and clear, and while at times his portrayal enables a viewer to come close to loathing him, his angst over his trapped life pushes such feelings away.

Also, the colors are lush: autumn in all it's stunning brilliance seems almost (but not quite) lurid. The texture of the clothes and furniture is palatable. Is this because of digital film? Not sure, but it is extremely satisfying.

All in all, an excellent film from an extremely talented director.

A lot of other comments stated that the acting was great, especially George C. Scott. Sorry, but that's just not so. His lines are delivered dripping with melodrama, so much so that I thought I was watching an amature production. His explanation of the ship and what would happen as soon as he stepped in the wheelhouse (after the collision) was laughable. How he knew the ship was doomed before anyone sounded the hull was amazing. Further technical gaffs was the sound of creaking wood and running water, even in the first class section, within minutes of the collision. The rape scene was apparently some scriptwriter's idea of connecting with contemporary stories, but it was ugly and just not true. In fact, this film is filled with more false info than any other (except the film by the same name with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyk (sp?)). If you want to see the most accurate tale of what occurred during that April night, see the superb "A Night to Remember". I rate this one star out of 10.