Customer Reviews

The Big Chill (15th Anniversary Collector's Edition)

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

THE BIG CHILL is one of those films (like AMERICAN GRAFITTI) that people of a certain age will watch and experience a sense of generational identification. The film is an enjoyable (if somewhat surface) treatment of a generation's coming to terms with the compromise and loss of its youthful ideals. The real treats of the movie are the performances of its ensemble cast and the soundtrack, which is filled with great Motown (and other) hits of the era. This DVD is the best video version yet of this film. The colors are warm and autumnal and the soundtrack is crisp (it practically begs to be pumped up during the songs). This is a special edition which contains deleted scenes (which, unfortunately, do not include the scenes with Kevin Costner) as well as a 55-minute documentary on the making of the film. This features current interviews with the cast and crew reflecting on their experiences making the film and what it has come to mean to them. For those who have a wide-screen TV, this film is enhanced for the 16:9 screen ratio. All in all, this is a first-rate presentation of a fine film.

Since this film first appeared about 20 years ago, it has become a favorite of those who comprise what is referred to as the "Baby Boomer" generation" but its appeal is by no means limited to that age group. So many of its themes (e.g. nostalgia, disenchantment, sexual frustration, egocentricity) are common to all generations. As is often the case, a reunion of friends occurs because of a death, in this case Alex whose corpse is being formally dressed for burial as the film begins. (It is Kevin Costner's body but his head is concealed, with the balance of Costner's appearance lying on a cutting room floor.) Sarah and Harold Cooper (Glenn Close and Kevin Kline) serve as unofficial hostess and host. After the burial, their friends return with them to their home where accommodations are provided. Their extended celebration of both Alex and themselves begins, during which Kasdan (who also wrote the screenplay) carefully reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each central character. The Coopers seem to be the strongest, happily married and prosperous but also generous and caring. Nick (William Hurt) is a confused and self-absorbed veteran (in some respects a survivor) of the Viet Nam war. The group includes one celebrity, Sam (Tom Berenger) who stars in a television series. Karen has always been in love with Sam. Now a somewhat unhappily married woman, she struggles with her conflict of emotions (obligations to husband and children juxtaposed with her enduring attraction to Sam). Mary Kay Place is a successful attorney who yearns for parenthood but not necessarily marriage. For me, the most interesting character is Michael (Jeff Goldblum) who comes across as a smarmy, almost desperate social misfit. Although claiming to be secure as a journalist with People magazine, he is obviously desperate to be accepted, to make favorable impressions, and if nothing else, taken seriously. His vulnerabilities are almost palpable.

Kasdan and his associates have created in this film an especially effective portrayal of certain values during the period in which the action (such as it is) occurs. For example, most of the characters are almost wholly preoccupied with what they want but do not have. There is a strong element of codependency among them as they struggle to absorb and digest the reality of Alex's death. They are mutually devoted but, at the same time, several seem (to me) to be asking the same question once posed by Peggy Lee: "Is this all there is?"

Much of the appeal of this film is explained by how seamlessly Kasdan coordinates the plot with the soundtrack which continues to be a bestseller. For example, it is an especially appropriate touch that he includes the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" early on during the funeral service for Alex. Other selections on the soundtrack include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Marvin Gaye), "My Girl" (The Tempations), "Good Lovin'" (Rascals), "The Tracks Of My Tears" (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles), "Joy To The World" (Three Dog Night), "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" (Temptations), "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (Aretha Franklin), "I Second That Emotion" (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles), "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" (Procol Harum), and "Tell Him" (Exciters).

I saw THE BIG CHILL in high school. I loved it. Strange, considering my age, but it helped me imagine my high school friends and I getting together at age 30 and having a good time. I just watched it again this weekend on DVD, and still consider it a good movie. Don't let the big budget and big names fool you. It's a small film about interesting characters. The only "action" is when Sam tries to jump into Nick's car "J.T. Lancer"-style. Mostly, it's character study. And Mr. Kasdan cast an incredible group of actors. It's a good film.

Now ... for the DVD ... I think the picture is good. For instance, this is the first time I noticed the mint-green walls of the church in the opening scene. But, the rest of the DVD pales in comparison to others on the market now. Like another reviewer said, the "Trailer" included is for SILVERADO (? ). Where's the BIG CHILL trailer ? The documentary is very well done -- lots of current interviews with cast members (Glenn Close reveals a lot). The cut scenes are interesting too. ** BUT where are the flashback scenes filmed in Atlanta of the cast in their 60's clothes ? I thought for sure we'd get to see those! Nowhere to be found ... Disappointing.

It's been twelve years since the halcyon days of college, and eight old friends are reunited for a classmate's funeral. Glenn Close and Kevin Kline play a married couple who open their home to the gang for a weekend of reminiscences of the good old days and moans about how their lives have turned out. William Hurt plays a disillusioned and disabled ex-soldier, Jeff Goldblum is a sarcastic writer, Tom Berenger is an actor who's seen better days, JoBeth Williams is married but looking for love, Mary Kay Place is single and looking for a baby daddy, and Meg Tilly is the deceased's young girlfriend.

There is no real action or plot; the film is made up of scattered, quiet conversations that reveal the characters' emotions. The early 70s rock soundtrack is such a big part of the movie, it's almost another character. If you loved songs like, "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and "A Whiter Shade of Pale," you will love the non-stop music. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with any of the characters or find them particularly interesting; to me they were spoiled, self-centered whiners with precious little to complain about, who spent two hours doing it anyway. If you fit the Gen-X demographic and like the music, you'll probably enjoy this low-key movie about a reunion of old friends.

Eight housemates from the University of Michigan reunite some fifteen years later for the unexpected funeral of a friend. Great 1960's soundtrack livens up weekend of grief, laughter, revelations, reminisces, sex, and some closure of unfinished business. Director Kasdan isolated the cast together in a home in South Carolina so they could develop their chemistry, which comes off as entirely believable. Unknown Kevin Costner played the deceased friend in flashbacks that were cut from the final print; that's still his "corpse" being dressed during the opening credits. Another lost scene that originally was to close the movie was a flashback with the cast in 1960's garb preparing thanksgiving dinner together in college. Included is a great retrospective with cast and crew and a few deleted scenes.

I saw The Big Chill for the first time only this year. It was playing on TNT or some such station and I was intrigued. I've since purchased the DVD and have enjoyed the film several times now. In my view, it deserves to be considered a minor cult classic.

What I found was a collection of very good efforts by actors who were, at the time, not well known and fairly inexperienced. I'm quite impressed by Mr Kasdan's eye for casting. This is a superb ensemble! We find in this story a re-grouping of a previously tightly-bonded klatch with the usual variety of contrasting personalities and yet a melding of similar interests.

Alex dies and thus the reason for the gathering. At the funeral (Chapter 2), Alex does not seem to have very many friends. Outside of a handful of family members, Alex' few former classmates and his youngish girlfriend, the church is empty. Even the minister didn't really know him.

These friends end up staying with Sarah (Glenn Close) and her husband Harold (Kevin Kline) over the longish weekend. They spout off glib one-liners and exchange a somewhat forced repartee in multiple attempts to lighten their grief. How many of us have done the same thing in our own moments of despair?

I was impressed by the frequent and liberal use of the word `love.' Several times by word and by gesture, these people affirm their deep commitment to each other. Several exchanges (some heated, some more Socratic) ensue that reflect both unresolved issues from a previous life and the current grieving process. The obvious attachments and subsequent fulfillment of sexual tensions seems to include a nod toward our collective Survival Instinct. It's at once ironic and terribly humorous that the person most openly interested in The Act (Jeff Goldblum as Michael) is left to play with the propeller on his junior aviator's bed.
Moral considerations aside, I somehow did find satisfaction in Sarah's making arrangements (Chapters 25-27) for Harold to attempt to father Meg's (Mary Kay Place) child. Perhaps this was self-induced pay-back for former sins to a degree, but I also found it to be a selfless act on the behalf of a good friend - well, maybe two good friends. Harold didn't seem to mind.

I suppose the popular front-runners in this movie could be Glenn Close and William Hurt. For my money, I'll take Mary Kay Place. She's solid and she wears comfortably into middle age (episodes of Law and Order, The West Wing and Numb3rs most recently).

In writing book and film reviews for Amazon, I tend to do a little research. Including in that is a reading of at least a portion of the reviews previously posted. The Big Chill seems to have pulled in an inordinate number of reviews not only negative but often angry, and for a curious set of reasons: "the sets are cheap, the acting is dated and the conversation shallow." I don't agree.

This is a "Conversational Film," a true "Talkie," a film where the substance of history and idea and thought is delivered much more so by verbal interactions among the characters than by elaborate sets or expensive action sequences. It's a Time Capsule depicting a narrow segment of Collegiate Society. It could have just as easily been a group of Pre-Nursing Students, or a Bible Study/Buddhist Meditation/Holocaust Studies Group or just some Kids interested in Agri-Business. Mr Kasdan chose some young Radical Anarchist Wantabes who decided that some attempt at conformation was necessary in order to get along in The Cold World. Not all are pleased about it. One or two tried to be more faithful to the Ideal than the others but it was a costly choice: one becoming an almost constant user of recreational pharmaceuticals and the other becoming dead.

Neither am I bothered so much by the `missing flashback.' Mr Kasdan made an editorial decision with which I happen to agree. I find amusement in knowing that the exposed body parts (sans the face), whilst being prepared and included in the final version, belongs to Kevin Costner. It fits in with the black humor of it all, almost on the same level as someone auditioning for the part of Yorick in Hamlet.

There is wonderful nostalgia in this film! Why should we expect such a work, 23 years old, to align with current thinking? Why should we expect it to reflect the impatient and shallow Gen-X World or some middle-aged shriveled prune-head (me included) who can't or simply won't make allowances for others. We should relax a little and view it and enjoy it within the context of its own Time.

I for one would be delighted to see some of my college friends again; it's been 30-plus years. And if I should do so well as these guys, who so obviously love and care for each other, I'd consider it time and money and effort well spent.

But most of us would have had to have been there, I suppose.

Russell de Ville
8 March 2006

This review refers to "The Big Chill" (VHS)

More than 20 years after it's release I still feel the need to pop this video in my player on occassion. The story has stood up well, and continues to make me smile with each viewing.

They were an anti-establishment, non-comformist, group of friends back in their college days in the 60's. They were a close knit group, that although not in regular communication with each other, kept up with each others lives. The suicide of one, bring them all back together for an eye-opening weekend.
Now 20 years after college, with a new set of values, most are now part of the working class establishment. Sucessful and set in their lives, raising families of their own. Spending the weekend together in one house, brings back memories, reveals new insights into each other's lives, and renews the group's closeness.

The film is both funny and dramatic,and a wonderful piece of nostalgia. It would not only appeal to the boomer generation especially, but also to those who can relate to friends and close ties made during the college days. The remarkable ensemble cast, that have all remained great stars, make it a joy to watch by all. The friends are: Glenn Close, Tom Berrenger, Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Jo Beth Williams, and Mary Kay Place. A young Meg Tilly adds her wonderful talents as well. If that's not enough, the soundtrack with all the familiar great tunes from the 60's, will have you 'groovin' once again.

If you loved this film, the first time you saw it, but it's been a while, watch it again and you'll remember the wonderful effect it had on you. If you havn't seen it, it is absolutely worth checking out.

Remember when...and enjoy...Laurie

also recommended for more great ensembles films:
Empire Falls (Every Small Town Has a Big Story) Vol. 1
Empire Falls, Volume Two
Primary Colors
The Chase

I can recall for years hearing about "The Big Chill". That it was an amazing movie and the critical acclaim did nothing but support this honor. Being a fan of cinema and a bit of a movie buff I finally decided last night to watch the movie. The only thing I knew about the flick was it was an ensemble piece, had fine actors and actresses and all of Kevin Costner's scenes were deleted. After I watched this movie I felt rather quizzical. Not really sure what I had just watched for an hour and forty-five minutes. I am sure I will be under fire for what I am about to say, but here goes nothing.

The plot is simple, a bunch of college friends reunite after many years apart. Which sounds nice, but the catalyst of this "homecoming" was the suicide of their mutual friend Alex (the deleted Kevin Costner). All of these college friends, now adults spend the weekend together to catch up on old and new times. Sounds interesting right? Not so much.

These are some of the most one dimensional and superficial people I have ever seen in a movie. In some ways this is a good and bad thing, good in the sense that the acting in this movie is actually pretty good. It was bad in the sense that I had no real investment in anyone nor did I care what happened to these characters.

Sam (Tom Berenger): Has become a famous TV star and plays a poor man's Magnum, P.I.; despite his fame he feels empty and not sure if he is "making a difference with his life".

Harold (Kevin Kline): Married to Sarah and is hosting the weekend get together. He is a rather successful sales man in the sneaker business. He likes his friends, but is somewhat put off that they are staying at his house.

Sarah (Glenn Close): Married to Harold and had an affair with Alex years prior. She also seems to have reservations about opening so many doors to the past.

Michael (Jeff Goldblum): Is a famous journalist yet has desires to open a night club. He acts like a real "player" but comes off as a dork who tells really bad jokes.

Nick (William Hurt): Is an angry boy trapped in a man's body. He uses myriad controlled substance through out the film and "can't get it up". It seems he is pissed at Alex for committing suicide before he could.

Chloe (Meg Tilly): She was Alex's girlfriend up to the day he died and never really offered any insight about Alex's current state of affairs. She spends a great deal of time stretching and doing yoga via putting her legs over her head. Her best quality is to act rather vapid.

Karen (JoBeth Williams): She purposely married a man who is the polar opposite of her father and is miserable. However, her husband is rich so it is all good, right? Wrong she is totally smitten with Sam and is chasing him the entire film...

Meg (Mary Kay Place): Hasn't had much luck with men, in her late 30s she is still single and wants to have a child. She has a plan to have one of the men at the weekend party get her pregnant. The way this story line plays out is really CREEPY!!!

As for their relationship with the estranged Alex, no one ever really spoke about how his death influenced them. It would be addressed and then dropped. The character of Alex was nothing more than a plot device, which is fine, but to keep bringing up "how they felt" and not concentrate on it made the entire notion seem rather shop worn and dull.

On to the weekend itself all of these people spent together. I am not sure about anyone else who watched this movie, but this seemed like the longest weekend in the world. The last time I checked, there was only two days in the weekend. This super weekend leaves the door open to the issues of sex, politics, philosophy, idealism and the meaning of life. Again some spicy stuff, yet the execution, rather the writing was very lackluster and slow moving. So here is the equation, poor writing plus unsympathetic characters equals "I don't care".

The movie only had a middle, no real beginning and no real end. I am cool with that, because that is what life is in many ways. This movie nailed that on the head. However, the middle was just empty. I began to question who had really committed suicide. As for the soundtrack, yeah there were some good tunes and most of them were played at very odd times. For instance, everyone drives to the graveyard to bury their friend and jovial tunes of 1960s cascade in the background. Huh?

I honestly believe that this movie was a sign of the times and a period piece. I was six years old when this movie was released. Perhaps if I were 30 something when this was came out I might have loved it. Notwithstanding, technology in modern times has made keeping in touch much easier. Ultimately the acting is good but had its determents and the location shots in Beaufort, South Carolina were really pretty. Nevertheless, "The Big Chill" certainly has myriad meanings: The world being a cold place and warmth is with friends, everybody is just hanging out, death of a loved one is a wake up call, the feeling I had when the movie was over or that weird thing with Meg and her pregnancy!!

Like a previous reviewer, I don't find any fault with the movie... I saw it in the theatre when it came out and I've seen it dozens of times since. I can recite dialogue. I know which song goes with which scene. I own the published version of the screenplay, and when I was in college, my university library actually had a copy with the deleted flashback scene still in it.

So you can imagine how excited I was when my husband gave me a DVD player for my birthday... the second DVD I ever bought was this one. Sat down, put it in, watched the whole film first, loved it all over again, and then headed for the special features to finally be able to see the flashback. Was I ever disappointed. The deleted scenes that were available were okay to see, but I felt a little gypped (and yes, by the "trailer" being for "Silverado" instead of "Chill" also). So, buyer beware! This is not all it's cracked up to be.

I first saw "The Big Chill" on video back in my Uni days. I was dragged reluctantly to the TV by three lady friends as part of a video night. What I had thought was going to be a "Girl's" movie turned out to be one of my all time favorites. I loved the story but the musical score is also terrific. It has a selection of some of the best tunes from the 60's throughout the film and they are interlaced with the film not just used as background.

I have seen some cynical reviews of "The Big Chill" which try to prove it is deliberately schmaltzy. I don't have a lot of faith in film critics at the best of times and least of all on this occasion. Watching this film is a touching experience. You become so wrapped up in the characters that you never want it to end. Oh and I feel before I get into a description of the story that you should all know that Alex, the dead guy, was played by Kevin Costner, before he became famous. His part was then largely edited out of the film, to the point where his face is never seen.

The film starts at Alex's funeral. We are introduced to Alex's friends from his college days. Then we move on to the wake, held at the beautiful home of Sarah and Harold. It is a bucolic palace by the edge of the Beaufort River. One of the first things that we learn is that Alex committed suicide. To make matters more interesting, he did it in Harold and Sarah's bath tub and was survived by a ditzy girlfriend, Chloe, played by Meg Tilly.

As the movie progresses we learn more about each of the group. Michael came primarily to get investors for his new venture. Meg, played by Mary Kay Place, wants a baby and she wants to conceive over this weekend. Sam has always had the hots for Karen, played by JoBeth Williams, and she in turn is tired of her marriage of convenience. Nick is a part time drug dealer who is trying to deal with the loss of his balls in Vietnam. Sarah had an affair with the dead Alex some years earlier. The only one who seems to have no skeletons in the closet is Harold, who has become "mister responsible" but without losing his caring side.

So as you can see, there is plenty to work with here. In the end, "The Big Chill", will make you laugh and it will make you cry but mostly it will make you want to catch up with the old friends in you life.