Sweet Jane

Maybe it's just that it was made in 1997, or maybe whoever managed to get this up to a 7 has a soft spot for kids with AIDS. But really people, the maniacal laughter & mayhem during the withdrawal scene? Did you not see that coming? I'm surprised there was no baby crawling across the ceiling and sickboy addressing the camera. The acting was fine, sure. But to me this is just one example of a movie from a time when situations and subject matter could pass for cinematic language. Things happen, but that's it. There's no glue or motive that can be detected on screen, allowing the subject matter to use pre-existing emotional connections to furthur the plot, without the script doing it like it's supposed to.

Tackling the AIDS issue on film is no longer something new or novel. In fact, many independent films of the 90's have tried, in varying degrees of success, to hone in on the horrific and mysterious ramifications of this terrible disease. Sweet Jane, which inexplicably has just now been made available on cable TV, is one of the winners. Perhaps realizing the limited appeal of this heartrending genre, director Joe Gayton goes for broke, but certainly not in an over-the-top fashion. He gamely depicts the desperate world of junkies, prostitutes and have-nots, but finds time to flesh out the human element in all of the moral decay. He occasionally inserts an otherworldly feel to the more sordid proceedings, effectively producing a counter-element to the more mundane (yet essential) exposition. Samantha Mathis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are simply wonderful as the mutually put-upon protagonists of this subtly powerful film. Mathis realizes the potential that we saw in "Pump up the Volume" a few years back, and Gordon-Levitt exhibits surprisingly mature chops for such a young actor. 4 and a half (out of 5) on the Corkymeter.

I rented this movie on netflix with my sister, and though neither of us expected to enjoy it, we were both quickly sucked in by the heartfelt, passionate acting. Both Samantha Mathis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt do a great job, Gordon-Levitt especially impressive despite being so young.

I feel like this film gave me the same deep satisfaction that a really good play can give you. The story is fascinating and moving, the characters are lovable and real, and when it ends, you wish there was more you could watch - a sequel, another movie, just something else with these characters. Luckily Mathis and Gordon-Levitt can be seen in lots of other great movies.

Definitely give it a chance - I won't spoil any of the surprises in the plot, but even at moments when you think it's going to be corny or dumb, it maintains an interesting and real atmosphere. There are interesting literary and cultural references dotted throughout the movie, and I think its a really well-written screenplay. Give it a chance and enjoy!

Like many films that address sensitive topics, it might be challenging to connect with the characters during the initial part of the movie due to the seemingly self-imposed challenges they face. Character development factors largely propel the narrative.

Additionally, unfortunately, this movie may be challenging for sensitive viewers due to its portrayal of serious topics like drug use and AIDS/HIV. However, if one can approach the film with a degree of detachment from these elements, it offers a compelling emotional roller coaster.

In the grand scheme of things, this film serves as a reminder to appreciate the love and life we possess while they are within our grasp and to recognize that our existance may not be as challenging as we may sometimes percieve it to be.

This is another showcase of the truly talented actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt at a young age.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Samantha Mathis performed outstandingly as the main characters in this totally realistic movie. Having witnessed the HIV, drug, prostitute scene for real because of a "wild" family member, I can relate to the hurt, rejection and fears portrayed. I watched this because I'm a fan of McNamara, but Joseph won my heart for his acting ability as well did Samantha. This should be a must see for all drug users. I gave it a 10.