Other Voices

I just caught this film on cable. I've never heard of it before. Had to view it 2 times because it blew me away! Unlike many films today, it really made you think; every little subplot wasn't explained like you're an idiot, it is riotously funny, great little thriller-plot. However, it's the sub-plots the keep you going. You have to see it twice, just to catch everything. Anyway, I just loved it. One of the most interesting movies I've seen in a while. I agree with some of the other comments: Why aren't I hearing more about this movie. I expected it to be of cult status by now. Oh yeah, did anyone catch the credits? They are almost as funny as the movie.

You've got to watch it closely to appreciate the humor. It's quirky and off-beat. It's not funny in the way that a lot of movies are funny these days--because the actors use lots of quips. You think it's one type of movie, and then gradually become aware that it's something else, and that it's very nice. You end up liking a bunch of strange people who are just trying to make their ways in the world. And you end up enjoying a funny movie in the process.

The acting is superb, and the dialogue comes at you so fast sometimes that two viewings may be needed. The two main characters, a married couple, are worried about their marriage and are not sure what to do about it. Their lives are the main focus. But it is the people who share their angst that make the movie what it is--particularly Campbell Scott in his best role ever, Rob Morrow as a hyper energetic trader who does something for a living but isn't sure what, and Stockard Channing who, as one other reviewer said, is the psychiatrist from hell.

Currently (March 2000) on the festival circuit, director Dan McCormack hopes that OTHER VOICES will go into general (if limited) release around November, pending the conclusion of financial details. I enjoyed the film immensely - you're best off going into it cold, so if you have any "friends" or enemies who try to tell you anything about the plot - run away!

So - this limits me to little bits and pieces. I don't know what your response to Peter Gallagher (sex, lies and videotape; AMERICAN BEAUTY) as a Frenchman will be. There was a bit of tittering in the audience I was in at his first lines, but that settled down rather quickly.

Rob Morrow (Jeff) did an interesting turn as a financial trader of some kind (even his sister Anna doesn't seem to know exactly what it is he does). He has a mild form of Tourette's syndrome - the symptoms increase when he's under stress or (as Anna admonishes him) when he doesn't take his medication. It's obvious they care for each other, but they aren't always on the same wavelength/frequency . . . which is, to some extent, the whole premise of OTHER VOICES - the mis-interpretation, willful or not, of what other people are saying (in more than one arena) and the resulting chaos than can emerge.

This is the kind of film that, no matter how closely you pay attention to details, additional viewings will supply new perspectives . . . which may (or may not) converge - a good one to talk about after with others.

Although I found the overall idea for this movie to be motivating enough to watch it to the end, the continuing twisting and turning of the plot throughout the movie lends you to a strange and bumpy ride. In my opinion the story line/plot just didn't cut it..

I'm not sure if the director intended for this to be a thriller, or a drama, or a "unfaithful" style movie.

Worth a one time watch when it pops its head up on a cable movie channel, then don't bother after that.

This movie is a total romp. Campbell Scott is the man to watch. Try not to miss a word he says. I can easily imagine this thing becoming a cult film. We have already adopted several family slang phrases from stuff he said.

David Aaron Baker and Mary McCormack are gorgeous, and Rob Morrow as her brother is wildly over-the-top as a non-meds-compliant Tourette's Syndrome patient. Stockard Channing as the shrink from Hell just fell right in line with the rest of the madness instead of curing any.

Do yourself a favor and see this thing. I'll bet you'll thank me for the nudge.