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The entire movie, an artful adaptation of one of Joyce's "Dubliners" stories, takes place on the night of January 6 (Epiphany), 1906. Most of the film takes place at an annual party given by three spinsters (two sisters and their niece), where a group of upper-class Dubliners gather for an evening of music, recitations and dinner. While there is very little plot per se, the interaction and conversation among the group reveals much about Dublin in the early 20th century when the stirrings for independence were just beginning. The cast, all talented Irish stage actors with the exception of Anjelica Huston, are universally wonderful, and one actually feels he is a guest at the gathering himself. The poignant final scene, between Ms. Huston and the amazing Donal McCann, reveals much about the marriage of the characters. There is poignancy mixed with humor and insight, and for those who like quiet, thoughtful movies, "The Dead" is highly recommended. My wife is from Dublin, we make a ritual of watching this wonderful movie every January 6th. After many viewings it never fails to move me, and each time I glean something that I've missed before.

In these days of in-your-face jokes and gross-out humor, "Waiting for Guffman' is all the more welcome for its gentle but dead-on depiction of small-town America and community theater. By turns funny and poignant, the talented cast takes us from auditions through performance of a musicale celebrating the anniversary of the founding of Blaine, Missouri, "The Stool Capital of America." The production is the brainchild of one Corky Sinclair, a transplant from the Big Apple who sees the production as a possible ticket back to the Great White Way. He overcomes all sorts of hurdles, from finances to last-minute cast changes with melodrama and devotion, and gives Blaine an extravaganza the citizens of Blaine will never forget. The satire is always on target but never mean-spirited, and nowadays that is a real achievement. I have watched this several times and each time I have found a new comic gem.

I have recommended this film to many friends, some of whom are definitely dismayed by it and mystified as to why I like it so much. I always say that it is definitely a one-of-a-kind movie, a gleefully nasty, punk sci-fi film, and definitely not for everyone. Anne Carlisle has a certain appeal as both Jimmy, a sarcastic, egotisical, drug-addicted male model, and Margaret, his punk yet rather elegant female counterpart. And Paula Shepard, as the misanthropic Adrian, gives an over-the-top performance that breathes ill will. There is a wonderful party scene where assorted NY fashionistas gather to take photos and drugs, at the end of which Margaret gives an absolutely gripping siloloquy concerning how she got to where she is at that point. Truly wonderful. I also tell my friends--only half jokingly--that "Liquid Sky" has all the elements of Grand Opera: love, revenge, and ultimate redemption! If you're looking for a film that is unlike anything you've ever seen, seek this one out.