Customer Reviews

Falling From Grace [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Having been a Mellencamp fan for 20+ years, I must say that he never ceases to amaze me with the versatility of his talents. This movie was no exception! I must admit the movie is even better the second time you see it and each time thereafter; you catch subtlities and details you miss the first time while simply following the plot. Having grown up in a town and being happily transplanted to the country and farm life made this movie even better for me. It is so similar in many ways to the type of life and things that a lot of us "farm folk" experience. The "realness" of the people only served as an incredible tool to further enhance the story and as usual, there is a lesson hidden therein. The scenary is beautiful. I only regret that 5 stars is all I could give it; it deserves more. "Falling From Grace" IS a good movie and my Johnny Boy shows everyone that he can also be a good actor/director. Folks, don't pass this one by, especially if you have ever had any ties to or passion for the country and/or farm life. And be sure to watch it at least twice!!

JM has shown yet another side of his talent with this movie. It is now clear that this man is more than a musician and an artist -- John Mellencamp is an actor and director who can touch on so many real emotions. Like his songs, this movie is about 'real' people, and how even famous people have to face their demons and deal with life's trials.

i have no idea why so many folks are bashing this film. sure its not a special effects extravaganza with a huge hollywood budget . but as a movie exploring small town life and the things left behind its pretty good. mellencamp's acting is suttle but pretty decent in my opinion. the ultimate test of a good movie is if it entertains and it did the trick for me.

The movie parallels Johns life after the Tony Defries days. I believe that when you return to your hometown after receiving the fame that John had earned people want to treat you different. No matter what you do,or where you go, when you return home the old wounds that have become scars are reopened. I found the movie to be very informative in a metaphorical manner. I am a Huge Mellencamp fan and hope to see you all at the Woodlands show in May. If I were a rich man I would become a Mellenhead and see every show on the U.S Tour.Its one of the few TRUE RnR shows on the Planet.

John Mellencamp has put together a movie that seems to reflect his life. There is a dark side to this movie that at times can be depressing. Overall I would highly suggest this movie to any Mellencamp fan!

I bought this film because I'm a big Mellencamp fan, and Roger Ebert praised it highly. Plus, the script came from Larry McMurtry, author of "Lonesome Dove", "The Last Picture Show", etc.

The good stuff first: Mellencamp proves himself to be an adequate director.

Surprisingly, for a first time out, it's a perfectly fine directorial debut. Nothing flashy...actually it's anti-flashy, befitting the material. No major screw-ups. Close-up, two-shot, pan...it's fine.

He definitely has screen presence, if not real acting chops. He's fine for the role he's in, yet you can see (or feel) the hesitation before lines; he knows when he's supposed to come in...he moves well, but you still get the feeling he's "reading" his lines.

His grandfather is a hoot, and his father malevolent enough for what happens in the film.

Overall though, the movie isn't terribly good. Much of the acting from the other characters seemed forced; the line reading flat. Other characters barely existed at all. There are a lot of characters, by the way. Bud Parks (Mellencamp) has a wife (Mariel Hemingway) and a daughter. He's visiting from Hollywood, as he's a huge country star coming home to visit. He's got a brother, married to Bud's old high school girlfriend (Kay Lenz). They have a passel of kids. He's got a sister, married to some guy, and they have money problems. He's got an illegitimate but widely acknowledged half-brother, who appears to be most close to him. He has a mom, a grandmother, a father and a grandfather...none of whom are divorced, yet spend no time with each other. There's a friend/caretaker/employee or two (or three). Most of the men are clearly scum. Most of the women are saintly, with a few marked exceptions.

The Southern Gothic aspect of the script I didn't think worked. The actors didn't make me believe they could do the things they did. Does that make sense?
Sometimes in a film, characters do unrealistic things, but because of the craft of acting, screenwriting...of filmmaking...you get so carried away that it doesn't matter.
Better yet, those supposedly "unrealistic" things become possible, even "real."

None of this happened here.

Here's the thing: I love Mellencamp, and actually think he could really be something on screen. There is that something about him that works. It's just that here there are too many things that don't work here...and by the time the film was over (100 minutes, but due to it's deliberate pacing, felt like twice that) I just didn't give a hoot about any of them.

This is John's masterpiece to the world. This movie proves to everyone that John is one of the most gifted artists of our time. The rension and relationship issues seem real and Mariel Hemingway plays a great part!

Living close to Seymour, IN, I was able to watch the making of this movie one summer. I was very excited to see the familiar scenes on the big screen. I am a big Mellencamp fan so it was hard to be critical of this movie. The story line seemed to go nowhere.

John should have never quit his day job. In fact, he should get a real job and give up singing, and for god sakes, never discrace himself by "acting" again. What a profound flop.

If you own tender mercies you should have this movie.It is what I would call Americanna style of movies.Along the lin e of tender mercies.