Customer Reviews

Holy Smoke [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(19)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Kate Winslet plays Ruth Barron, a young Australian woman who goes to India and becomes smitten with the touch of a charismatic guru, so much so that she changes her name and forsakes her family to stay in India and attend to and worship the guru. Her parents become alarmed. Her mother goes to India to trick her into coming back to Australia so that she can be deprogrammed by a professional from the United States that they have hired (P.J. Waters as played by Harvey Keitel).

What director Jane Campion does with this once familiar theme is most interesting. She puts the deprogrammer to the test, so to speak, and initiates a struggle of will between the deprogrammer and his young charge. The key scene arrives as Ruth comes naked into P.J.'s arms in order to test his professionalism (and her sexual power). I don't know about you but I think a naked and passionate Kate Winslet would test any man's motivation and make him think twice about what he really wants to do.

The psychological idea behind the story is this question, What is the nature of the guru's hold on his flock? Is it spiritual or is it profane? Do the young women who follow him desire him as an alpha male or is it spiritual deliverance they seek? Naturally Ruth believes the latter and the deprogrammer the former. But what is the deprogammer's motivation? Is this just a job for him or does he feel he is helping to free his clients from some kind of mental slavery? Or is he just another sort of phony guru himself?

Keitel in black hair and black moustache and devil's mini goatee dressed in black with a menacing look and a lot of physical energy (despite being 60-years-old when this film was released) contrasts sharply with Winslet's youthful beauty and beguiling voluptuousness. Strength of character is something Kate Winslet brings to any role, even including her outstanding performance as Ophelia in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (1996), a role that is usually played wiltingly. Here one senses that her strong will and determination are going to be quite a match for the deprogrammer who gives himself three days alone with her to break her attachment to the guru.

Two questions: One, if he is successful, will that just mean that she has transferred her allegiance from the Indian guru to him? Will it mean that his psychological strength is greater than that of the guru in far-off India? Two, in what respect is such a forced confinement with someone who is in physical control going to lead to a variant of the "Stockholm syndrome" experienced by some women held hostage, e.g., flight attendants on hijacked planes, and the famous case of Patty Hearst? Will the captive become enamored of her captor?

Campion handles this most interesting theme by focusing on the sexual and carnal nature of the relationships. The test of will between P.J. and Ruth becomes a question of Can she seduce him and thereby strip him of his professionalism? The movie is candid about sex and sexuality in a way that emphasizes the power dynamics of sexual relationships. There is some full frontal nudity and the sex scenes are steamy beyond what one usually sees in an R-rated film. (If seeing Kate Winslet naked might offend you, I recommend you close your eyes.)

Harvey Keitel did an outstanding job in a very demanding role and was entirely convincing (despite being a little too old for the part); but as usual Kate Winslet completely took over the film with her commanding countenance, her superior acting skills, her great concentration and her mesmerizing charisma. If there is a better, more captivating young actress working today, I don't know who she is.

Her role here might be compared with her performance in Hideous Kinky (1998) in which she goes to Morocco to find enlightenment among the Sufis. That is a more charming film, and she is outstanding, but this one gives greater range to her skills.

Notable (and watchable!) as a counterpoint to Winslet's Ruth is sexy and sleazy Sophie Lee as Yvonne who is so taken with P.J. that she fairly begs him to make love to her. Also impressive is Julie Hamilton as the woebegone and stumbling mother.

Of course I would say see this for Kate Winslet, and if you are a fan, you sure don't want to miss Holy Smoke since it includes one of her best performances; however, what really impressed me is the original and daring conception and direction by Jane Campion who is best known for The Piano (1993), a film that received an Oscar nomination for the best direction and starred Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel and Sam Neill.

So see this for Jane Campion who is not afraid to show human nature in the raw.

Jane Campion rides a slippery slope: an Australian woman (Winslet) visits India and becomes indoctrinated with a cult. Sounds like a sombre enough subject, but not in the hands of Campion.

We are served instead a slightly more doozy fare: a part satire, part romantic comedy, part drama and part...ahem...soft porn. There's a good deal of nudity here, and if you are a Harvey Keitel fan, that could be reason alone to grab a copy of this. Truth be told, Keitel is in fact almost embarrassing, especially towards the tail of the movie, which he spends mostly wearing a dress (don't ask.)

Visual splendour of other forms abounds as well. The film sports some gorgeous shots of the Australian outback and Indian pilgrimage towns. Not that any of this really does much to the bizarre "deprogramming" dialogue.

If anything saves this movie it has to be one of a couple of things:

(1) Kate Winslet, who is not only very beautiful and sensual, she also lends a great deal of comic credibility to her role.

(2) The second thing that no reviewers here seem to have noticed is THE mindblowing SOUNDTRACK!

Overall the movie is somewhat of a mess with a highly implausible denouement twist, but its probably a worthy ride for Winslet/Keitel fans.

Recommended rental.

The subject of cult deprogramming has been dealt with in serious terms by any number of filmmakers, but director Jane Campion seems to be the first to approach it from a satirical perspective. The employment of such a mocking tone could easily open an artist to charges, on the one hand, of anti-religious bigotry and, on the other, of treating too lightly the real devastating consequences - for both the `victim' and their family - of a person's involvement in either the cult itself or the deprogramming that comes after. For the sheer audacity of her vision then, the Australian filmmaker - along with her co-writing sister, Anna - deserves a certain amount of acknowledgement and praise. Unfortunately, `Holy Smoke,' after a rather promising first half, falters badly, becoming, in the final analysis, mannered, unfocused and, above all, pointless in both its tone and message.

The first half of the film is fitfully amusing as we are introduced to Ruth (Kate Winslet) and her colorful Aussie family, the Barrons. It seems that Ruth, on a vacation to India, has fallen under the spell of a hypnotic guru and her disapproving family has devised a scheme to haul her back and submit her to the methods and wiles of PJ Waters (Harvey Keitel), the world's most successful cult deprogrammer. So far so good as Ruth's `mum' (played by the delightful Julie Hamilton) hops aboard a plane to India to find her daughter and bring her back to Australia and, consequently, her senses. Mum's fumbling attempts to comprehend this alien, exotic culture provide the heartiest laughs in the film. Unfortunately, once Ruth and PJ are locked away in an isolated cabin in the outback for a bit of one-on-one deprogramming, the film completely loses its way, abandoning the eccentric members of Ruth's family and forcing us to observe, almost exclusively, these two far less interesting characters. For a while the film does raise a few pointed issues. We wonder, for instance, what kind of people fall prey to these brainwashing spiritual leaders; then we ask ourselves, if the alternative of returning to a presumably empty existence is really so much better. We contemplate as well whether the deprogrammer really has the answers - or is he, in addition to restricting the freedom of choice of this adult individual, himself compensating for some internal emptiness he fears to acknowledge? Sadly, such morally ambiguous themes go largely unexplored, as Ruth and PJ lock horns in an increasingly bizarre and decreasingly funny battle of wills. Soon, Ruth is wandering aimlessly around the compound stark naked (funny, usually it is Keitel who does the full frontal nudity thing in his films!) and PJ is allowing her to dress him up in women's clothing and daub his face in lipstick and makeup. As the Campion sisters lose their grasp on the themes they have so brilliantly set up, we become more and more uninterested in the story's outcome. Ruth never becomes a full-fledged character in her own right. We are given virtually no inkling of what kind of life she led before her trip to India or of what exactly led to her feeling of spiritual emptiness. PJ, predictably, violates his own professional ethics code by falling in love and sleeping with his patient, an act that has not the comic thrust to compensate for its queasy distastefulness.

Thus, despite a promising beginning - and some very good performances by a gifted cast - `Holy Smoke' leaves the audience pondering the why and wherefore of its existence. If one is going to make a comedy out of such touchy material, one had best figure out a clearer destination and map out a better strategy to get there.

I can safely say this is the strangest movie I've seen in a goodly long time. In a way, it's more bizarre than surreal classics like Eraserhead, because it deals with real people and the strange things they do with and to one another.

Kate Winslet plays Ruth, a callow young Australian who gets involved with a cult on a trip to India. Her talk of reincarnation and living in light baffles her parents, who are convinced she's been brainwashed (though Ruth's 'conversion' seems more of a whim than a rebirth). So they hire PJ Waters (Harvey Keitel), a 'cult exiter,' to talk her down.

Waters is all American swagger, dyed black hair, all-black wardrobe, snakeskin cowboy boots. He simmers with smooth arrogance; he expects no trouble from his troubled teen charge. He spirits her away to an isolated hut, and all heck breaks loose.

Refreshingly, this isn't a movie about faith and religion. I was none-too-eagerly anticipating long discussions about God. Instead, the conversation veers into sex and gender roles, exposing PJ's arrogance for the chauvinism it is, letting Ruth give him harsh lessons in female empowerment.

None of this makes too much sense -- the conversations are non sequitur, events unfold contrary to one's expectations. But it's fascinating and hilarious, so that's forgivable. The important thing to remember is that you're watching a *comedy*; don't make the mistake of taking the proceedings more seriously than did the filmmakers.

If nothing else, watch it for the cinematography. Campion knows how to set up a shot; the whole film is infused with Australia's glowing oranges and reds. In short, a beautifully shot, funny film, a bit nonsensical, sure to spark controversy and discussion. Definitely see it if you've got an open mind.

In Jane Campion's 'Holy Smoke' Kate Winslet (Titanic, Heavenly Creatures, Jude) plays Ruth Barron, a young Australian who found religious awakening during her trip in India. What started as a prank to visit an ashram, she fell under the influence of an Indian guru. Now known as "Nazni", she now plans to stay and become a devotee. Once news reaches home her anxious family desperately lures her back home to suburbia in Australia. Meanwhile her family has hired a macho American "religious exiter" twice Ruth's age named PJ Waters (Harvey Keitel). This is where electricity begins.

Don't get me wrong, the film is hardly about religion or India at all. The first 15 minutes of the movie is just an accessory that helps the movie move into the primary subject of the film: The offbeat relationship between Ruth and PJ and what goes through the three day deprogramming session in the middle of the Australian Outback.

This is a flawed film, and a bit unreal at times and very disturbing and offbeat, but I just think: When have you've seen, or yet, when again are you going to see again a young gorgeous Australian woman battle-it-all-out with an American macho twice her age in the middle of the Australian Outback?? Especially the way Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel ended up discovering each other in many ways. Kate Winslet was at her truly best so far. She was the perfect actress to portray Ruth. Winslet presented Ruth as a young, stubborn, confused, but yet strong, intelligent grown woman. Here, Winslet has given the performance of her career. She was daring and beautiful and truly deserved more recognition that she received. I know many of actresses wouldn't be game or courageous enough for what Kate Winslet accomplished successfully in this film. Except, Harvey Keitel was too slow and not quick enough for Winslet. She stole every scene they were in together. I found the actors who portrayed Ruth's family pretty hilarious, but particularly Sophie Lee (Ruth's risqué sister-in-law) and Julie Hamilton (Ruth's concerned Mum). The rest of the family just came out as too goofy and stereotypical. I also was relived that they didn't choose your typical Hollywood actress to play Ruth, thank god!

Besides supreme performances (Winslet specifically), 'Holy Smoke' was helped by a very strong visual impact: The Australian Outback. I never knew how a vast, desert could be so sizzling beautiful and tempting, especially with Kate Winslet in it wearing a sari, what a scene! The Indian-theme musical score was also a big role in the film.

'Holy Smoke' is not an easy film to seat through, and many have disliked it. Maybe they expect something different and sure some of the scenes were shocking and could've been cut. But just come to see this movie with a good and open-minded mood and you'll see how 'Holy Smoke' is filled with amazing human talent.

Warning: This is not for your average movie goer. It takes a certain intelligence and open-mindedness to watch this movie, and "get" it. If you don't "get" this movie after watching it, I then suggest you stick to your safe, cozy Hollywood movies. "Holy Smoke" a very unique and unforgettable movie which explores gender roles, love, sex, humanity, and religion. The film operates with a touch of humor and the bizarre, while still exploring some serious issues. Come on, where else can you see Harvey Keitel running around professing his love to Kate Winslet in a desert, in a red dress with one shoe on? Classic! If you are looking for something different, rent this film! You won't be disappointed!

This is a wonderful film exploring religion, sexuality as power, and so much more! It is wonderfully acted by Kate Winslet, by far her best performance to date. Beautiful cinematography, breathtaking scenery. This is one movie you're either going to love, or hate. Either way you will have a lot of material to discuss!

This film is amazing! The story begins with Ruth (Kate Winslet) who joins a sort of Indian cult. Her whacky family then hires a very expensive American deprogrammer, P.J. Waters (Harvey Keitel) to "set her straight". Ruth is steamed. Ruth and P.J. then shack up in a hut in Australia. During the 3 days that they're there Ruth and P.J. sleep with each other (numerous times), and P.J. begins to be deprogrammed by Ruth. It is a very interesting plot. Kate Winslet mastered the screen again, and Harvey Keitel was also brilliant. I suggest this movie to anyone who likes to be shocked and thrilled. SEE THIS FILM!

I am a big Harvey Keitel fan but even I never expected to see the big HK getting gussied up in Kate Winslet's clothes and make-up. That pushes this movie a bit over the top toward movie's end as the two stars get more and more entwined. I did like, however, the whole idea of a film's turning the religious deprogramming experience on its head, where the deprogrammer and not the "religious fanatic" strikes the viewer as the crazy person. Experience Winslet's extended family in the movie (Keitel's employers) for even a little while and you will easily understand how the religious, withdrawn life would have enormous appeal for her. I couldn't stand that family! This film is sort-of a romance between the characters played by Keitel and Winslet. Its not like its writer-director's (Jane Campion's) "Piano", which also starred Keitel, but the romance element is there. Who convinces whom of his/her beliefs? Well, you'll have to see the film to find out that but there is nothing that takes the expected route in this film. I enjoyed Keitel even more in the recent "Finding Graceland," where he manages to convince me by film's end that he's Elvis Presley. I have yet to see Winslet in a role where she fails to deliver a full blast performance and this was no exception. I thought she looked great in her one nude scene. The movie is 4 stars for me, instead of 5, because it was even a bit too weird for me. Normally, I love weird.

When your big breakout film is `The Piano', which is possibly one of the greatest films ever made, there is a big weight on your shoulders to create something of equal magnitude your next go around. Campion proved herself a very interesting and unique visionary director with `The Piano', but `Holy Smoke' seems like a giant step backwards.

Please note that this is very hard for me to say, beings that I worship the ground Kate Winslet walks on.

`Holy Smoke' deals with a very deep and poignant premise; a young woman being brainwashed by religion and her family desperately seeking to free her from her mental bondage. The premise really could have given birth to a fantastic character study and marvelously rooted importance, especially with Winslet and Keitel onboard, but instead it proves to be a missed opportunity. The film, although sporting a weighty subject, feels empty; lacking in substance. It almost makes light of a very tragic subject, and while Winslet tries hard to bring an air of honesty to her performance the script ultimately bogs her down to where her character comes off uninteresting.

Ruth Barron, after visiting with friends in India, finds herself under the spell of a certain cult, uprooting her life for a new. Her friends and family are worried, obviously, and hire a deprogrammer, PJ Waters, to break that spell. Waters has some issues of his own, issues that in my opinion get in the way of the heart of the story. We seem to focus more on his relationship with Ruth (as troubled as it may be) instead of the real reason for his entrance into her life. She is to spend three days with him, and in those three days he is to attempt to bring her to reason.

`Holy Smoke' has its moments, moments where Winslet breaks away from the confines of the script and actually relays to the audience the weight of this subject. You can see in her eyes the deception and then total plunge into confusion as her newfound beliefs come crashing down on her. Sadly, these moments are few and far in between. The sub-plots involving Waters and even Ruth's family take center stage and crowd out the real root of the story.

Campion loses her grip on this one, but she still has `The Piano' to reference when considering her talent. Winslet delivers a fine performance, but the script barely gives her room to truly shine. Many consider this her finest performance, but I consider this more her greatest character, and had that character been written better it could have proved to be her greatest performance. Keitel, an actor I usually enjoy, is rather uninspired here and delivers a tragically overrated performance. Yes, Winslet is really the only redeeming factor for this film, and she can only redeem so much on her own.