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56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet Desperation....., September 6, 2003
This review is from: Hysterical Blindness [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The performances in this movie are brilliant, but, it also gave me the creeps. I say this because it was so dead-on accurate in portraying the neighborhood I grew up in, and, the lives of "quiet desperation" that many there lived. At the time in which this movie takes place, I was working in a factory in upstate New York. The mentality displayed in this picture, of "you're born, ya work, ya party...." is how most of the people I was around at that time unquestioningly and comformingly lived their lives. I am not crazy about most actors today, but, Uma Thurman and Juliette Lewis have always been two of the few exceptions. In this made for HBO film, they immerse themselves so totally in their co-dependant characters that there is not a sign of a *star*, nor that they are performing...they simply "are" the two lost, searching souls with nowhere to go, and no way to get there if they did. The '80's were such a tacky decade, and these girls have it all "down". Watching them flounder, knowing that they want more out of life than their circumstances have thus far allowed, but not having a clue as to how to begin change, is painful to behold. As are their sad attempts at intimacy and self validation with disinterested men who want nothing more than quick sex. Watching Uma Thurman almost beg a creepy, cavalier one night stand who's just using her to "talk to me..." is heartbreaking. When she asks the bartender "what's wrong with me?", it is not a casual comment, but, a cry from the depths. Gena Rowlands is wonderful also as Thurman's waitress mom, who probably was an early training ground for her daughters bad habits, and lack of self esteem. These are not bad people, but, they want desperately to connect, and just don't know how. Also watching Thurman's character, after another night of rejection, crawl into bed with her mother in a desperate and pained reaching out for unconditional comfort, is a very emotional moment. This movie is about depressing lives, but, is ultimately hopeful, and shows that change, growth, and possibilities can sometimes begin with something as simple as a new living room set. And, the slow realization that, while we're all vulnerable, true happiness begins from within, and, with knowing thyself. I happened upon this movie by chance, and it surprisingly and completely cast its spell on me. A wonderful character study, made into something very special because of the portrayals of Uma Thurman and Juliette Lewis. Watching actors like this is almost an honor. If this sounds like a too extravagant appraisal, it is also because it is so rare. A wonderful experience.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BRILLIANT..., March 25, 2004
This movie was unsettling and hard to watch...I mean that in the best way. Uma Thurman in particular was so pathetic, so clueless and vulnerable....just desperate for acceptance...it was hearbreaking. Watching her character feign happiness and mold herself and her ideals to whatever man happened to be paying attention to her at the moment had me riveted. I have never been so impressed with Uma Thurman...FABULOUS STORY...watch it.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Perfect Specimen of Fine Film-Making, April 25, 2005
I sought out this movie because 1) It was made by Mira Nair, and 2) I am an ex-patriot of New Jersey. After viewing the delightful "Monsoon Wedding", I have taken an interest in Ms. Nair's talent, and "Hysterical Blindness" expertly captures the character of its environs. This movie is to New Jersey what "Fargo" was to Minnesota. (Yes I know that Fargo is in North Dakota, but who wants to call a movie "Brainerd"? Or "Bayonne", for that matter?)
"Hysterical Blindness" features spot-on acting by the cast, portraying lost and lonely characters. Uma Thurman captures the high-strung and neurotic Debbie with an inspiring performance. Here is a beautiful young woman whose utter cluelessness and total inability to be spontaneous prevent her from making any sort of real connection to anyone. Some of the scenes are truly cringe-inducing, reflecting the sheer desperation of the situation.
Perhaps to the reader, this doesn't sound like "entertainment", but don't lose me yet. There is much humor in the friendship of Debbie and Beth (Juliette Lewis), and Beth's adolescent daughter. Then there is the sweet love story between Debbie's mother, a waitress, (Gena Rowlands) and one of her customers at the diner (Ben Gazzara). The couple's grace at falling in love contrasts starkly to Debbie's attempts to force it, making it all the more painful.
After viewing the movie on DVD, I immediately watched it again in the version which includes Ms. Nair's commentary, which further cemented my respect for her and that of the players of this performance. If we are honest with ourselves, it will be easy to empathize with these characters, even as we may think we are laughing at them. Don't judge this DVD by its cover; it looks like a piece of trash, when in fact Mira Nair has created another fine piece of work.
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