This was one movie I had no idea about when I sat down to watch it. And so I had the pleasure of watching it with an uncorrupted view, and make an unprejudiced statement. These days every movie that is made in America is a hit or a flop before its release and people have already made up their minds about it, thanks to the media frenzy and what not...
Well I dont know when this movie came out, but it must’ve been quite a while back.. coz Johny Depp looks way too young here.. the story is about a protective brother, his mentally retarded sister, their relationship and how they change over time with the arrival of a young man who is not eccentric but acts so, like someone who is still a child and yet half grown.. whom his sister falls in love with.. and so on...
The brother and sister are played by Aidan Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson. The young man is Johny Depp. Where the movie succeeds is with the casting, half the battle won. Add to that excellent screenplay, the caresing cinematography, and the oh so beautiful Mary Stuart Masterson, and you got a winner on your hands with that kinda script and characters.
I personally think this has to be Ms.Stuartson’s best performance to date. She falls in love with Johny Depp and while her brother tries to protect her and tries to push him away, he does’nt realize he actually hurts her... and how they get to resolve it is what the the movie is about. What is intersting here is the interplay of the characters. The love on screen is so immense that it tends to overflow onto you.. there are these simple moments in the film, like Johny Depp making toasts with an Iron box, his antics in the park, Mary Stuart Masterson teasing Aidan Quinn about his date, scenes that will put a smile on your face. I thought it was an average film made brilliant by the characters and the actors.
Mary Stuart Masterson is so so adorable that I dont remember seeing anyone since Audrey Hepburn look that cute and yet intelligent on screen. And she is supposed to be mentally retarded in the movie. Phew.. Anyways.. dont go out of your way to check it out. But if its on tv or available somewhere, and if you want to watch a nice simple film, watch this one. Johny Depp is amazing, goes without saying too. Aidan Quins is easily forgettable behind these two beautiful performers but he does well too. The film has its moments and its very very endearing to watch such a beautiful actress. Seriously I was amazed and bowled over by her performance.