janetrose-28340

Love it or don't. What's not up for debate is that it absolutely is needed in any Chaplin dossier. Complicated genius or whatever anyone wants to say or not... I actually don't care. This film is just necessary.

The New York Times called the book "a complex and chilling portrait of a woman's descent into hell... full of insight and intelligence and illumination". If the film falls a little short, it's only because Keaton is so lovable throughout her myriad performances that I projected my own love for her onto this adaptation. The truths of the story are still universal (although maybe not as stunning as they once were -- or if stunning is the wrong word, than maybe terrifying is the right one)

Overall, the terrific supporting cast, plotting, and general atmosphere of danger make this a must watch film of 1970's cinema.

Like all of JJ's films, I've always found the comedy to be lurking in the the awkward silences. That's what makes it totally unique.

When you add Tom Waits and Roberto to a style which Lurie clearly has mastered you have Jarmsuch's finest films and one of the best films of the 80's.