Tennessee Valley

This little-seen obviously-based-on-a-play movie deserves to be seen. Diane Keaton is, as always, great. Her relationship with Sam Shepard rings true, and the reflecting relationship of their kids doesn't make you say Come On... You should see this movie because of its wonderful scenes and beautiful lines. It's a quite, what they call small film, and I guess that's why it didn't succeed. Do yourself a favor and spend 100 minutes with the Fritzsimmons and the McHenrys.

A quiet treasure of a film with excellent performances by Sam Shepherd, Diane Keaton et al, about the choices we make played out against the back drop of the human heart.Keaton's performance is understated and powerful; Shepherd conveys the conflicts and anguish of his dilemna with every wry grin and sigh. Their chemistry is palpable.

The film grips you because of strong performances from Keaton and Shepard, with great help from the make-up department. The editing of the script may not be noticable in the beginning but as the film progresses one is mesmerised as the film captures time with deft strokes in the editing room. The film editor and the scriptwriter use two generations in tandem to reinforce the the central theme of love and miscommunication between individuals. The play itself is an interesting one but the film is able provide visual perspectives (the father in the old store among old clothes that needs better housekeeping as the film unfolds or the conversation at the edge of a cliff for a crucial turning point in the film) with a felicity that the stage could never offer.

The film may not be a masterpiece but is definitely interesting in the departments of acting, editing and scriptwriting.

I watched this movie about three times. I think many people will see themselves, at least at some point in their life, as one of these characters. It may seem slow for those who want action.. but this is one of those movies that makes you think.. and hopefully teaches that if we don't communicate what we want, how can we expect to be understood? You have to make life work.

Don't save love for a rainy day is a true thing to say. In this film love has been saved and in the end the lives of two people have been wasted to bitter tears. A true mistake of these people. But they had a mission. They had to protect the lives of their children. A nice film which deserve more viewers.