Profoundly Normal

Profoundly Normal is profoundly moving... It is well rounded, I laughed, cried and got very disturbed at times. This story of a couple who just happen to be "retarded" and in love is beautiful. The story covers the lives of both Donna and Ricardo from about the ages of 10 until the present. Sharing their lives, their triumphs and their heartaches, in the institution where they met and out in the world. This is a must see for anyone who has a heart, even one 2 sizes too small, it will grow.

I too had never considered Kirstie Alley a "real" actress. She is a very good comedian, but "Serious Actress" is not a description I would have ever used with her. . . .until I saw this movie. I was actually at work (at a sportsbar) when it came on. I was flipping through the channels looking for sports, when I stopped for a moment, and in that short moment I was amazed! I sat entranced for the next 2 hours (ignoring customers, and killing my tips), but it was worth it! Not since Sybill (with Sally Field in the 1970's) have I been so awe struck with the performances in a TV movie! Congrats to Kirstie Alley! You have proven yourself to be brilliant, talented, inspired, and most of all a "Serious Actress" on a par with the great film actresses of today!!!!!!

This was a sweet movie, based on a true story about the often forgotten mentally handicapped population. Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo both do an excellent job of portraying Donna and Ricardo. Each character captures your attention with the reality of their world. This movie is reminiscent of the struggles to "be normal" in the movie The Other Sister starring Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi.

im still getting over the fact that kirstie wasnt nomainted for an emmy for this. it was WELL deserved. more than well deserved. the story about two handicapped people coming together and showing people that they can succed on thier own is enough. but her preformance? if you didnt see it,you missed out. all those people out there that dont consider her a real actress. despite the fact shes done as much drama as she has comedy. but this really gave everyone the chance to see what she can do. what everyone could do,the movie was the best tv movie ive seen in a LONG time. kirstie alley should win an emmy for this. to go along side with the one she won in 1994 for 'davids mother'. also amazing. but i cant believe she was just ignored for this. anyway the story which is based on a true story by the way is captivting.the actors are dead on but its kirstie who shines. what can i say? nothing but the best..from the best ever.

Of all the movies I've watched with leading characters with mentally diminished capacity, I've never seen one with a woman playing the leading role. "Nell" doesn't count because Nell (Jodie Foster) wasn't mentally slow though they made it seem like it. The fact is, she was raised completely isolated and had a mother who couldn't speak correctly, hence Nell was socially maladjusted and couldn't speak correctly. "Profoundly Normal" stars Kirstie Alley who played Donna Thornton, a woman who was legitimately mentally disabled.

This movie is a memoir of sorts that highlights her adult relationship with her husband Ricardo Thornton (Delroy Lindo). Ricardo may not have been mentally disabled at all, but he was labeled such and so it was. The two of them met at an institution called Forest Haven in Maryland. Forest Haven is just like what you'd imagine a big institution for the mentally handicapped would be in the 60's: big and soulless with a cruel and abusive staff. They sought to marry and live a normal life together even if those with the smarts and the degrees said otherwise.

This is a darling movie along the lines of "I Am Sam," but based upon real people. And I think that knowing "Profoundly Normal" is about two real people makes it more endearing, sentimental, and sympathetic. I've never seen Kirstie Alley in anything serious and I thought she had a marvelous performance in this movie. I expected nothing less from Delroy Lindo. He was as professional as always.