Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I won't be nuts for you", June 12, 2005
Badly neglected by both audiences and critics at the time of it's original release, NUTS is a film that is ripe for reevaluation. Based on Tom Toplor's 1981 courtroom play, NUTS is definitely a dialogue-based film with little Hollywood flashiness. Though extremely well-written (by Toplor, adapting his own work with Darryl Ponicsan and Alvin Sargent) and sharply staged and directed by veteran Martin Ritt, it is the cast whom is really responsible bringing NUTS to life. Barbra Streisand gives an absolutely bravura performance that should have earned her an Oscar nomination. Alternately hilarious and frightening, Streisand is always mesmerizing as she delves so far into character.
Richard Dreyfess is nothing less than Streisand's equal as her public defender. He too was robbed of an Oscar nomination. The supporting cast is a top-notch ensemble of professional character actors (Maureen Stapleton, Eli Wallach, Robert Webber, James Whitmore, and Karl Malden), all of whom work their craft flawlessly. NUTS' screenplay does indulge in the predictability of some of the typical courtroom-plot conventions a little too often, but Toplor's absorbing script still deserves high praise for it's fascinating exploration of what constitutes as normality and whether or not the insane should be required to receive treatment. NUTS isn't going to win over any fans of 3-cuts-per-second action films, but it leave lovers of thought-provoking, expertly-acted dramas fascinated.
About the DVD: The picture quality is dark and grainy, however, I believe that this reflects the film's intended look. The sound is fine, and it's nice to have the film's trailer included. Streisand's intelligent and entertaining full-length commentary is the main extra here, and it more than makes up for the disappointing tracks she contributed to the WHAT'S UP, DOC? and MAIN EVENT DVDs.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Striesand's best performance, September 2, 2003
"Nuts" is a must see for Striesand fans and anyone who enjoys a well written script and an exceptionally strong cast. The story of a high priced escort (Streisand) accused of murder and forced to go on trial to prove her sanity, in order to stand trial, is gripping. Her parents, who've had enough of her antics, want to send her to an asylum. Her state appointed counsel (played to perfection by Richard Dreyfuss) is compelled to find a way to prove her sanity to the courts as well as to his client. Perhaps there are no real surprises but the careful uncovering of layers of deceipt and mistrust is very real and honestly played out in this highly emotional and sentimental movie. I highly reccommend this film to all who enjoy good movie making.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Streisand proved she's not Nuts. She's shrewd!, January 16, 2006
Nuts was a hit off-Broadway play. Claudia Draper (Barbra Streisand) is a high priced call girl who has killed one of her johns (Leslie Nielsen). Her parents, Arthur and Rose Kirk (Karl Malden and Maureen Stapleton), just want to sweep it under the carpet by having her committed to an institution. But she doesn't anything to do with her parents or their scheme.
Her high priced lawyer quits after she attacks him. That gets the attention of public defender Aaron Levinsky (Richard Dreyfuss). The arraignment judge (Dakin Matthews) is displeased with Levinsky's wanting to take this to trial and only gives him the weekend to prepare his case for the sanity trial. Their relationship begins is a chess match of trust.
Levinsky gathers the evidence he needs for the trial and the sanity trail begins with trial Judge Stanley Murdoch (James Whitmore). The first prosecution witness is Dr. Morrison (Eli Wallach) who testifies that Claudia should be institutionalized. This followed by her mother Rose who testifies about her past. And then her stepfather Arthur testifies. During the testimony, Claudia first draws her stepfather as a vampire then her parents with no mouths. Aaron puts the clues together and discovers that Arthur was molesting Claudia.
The defense puts up its only witness, Claudia. Even under sedation, Claudia makes her points. The prosecution recalls Dr. Morrison and his testimony inflames Claudia and she makes an impassioned rebuttal.
Martin Ritt and Barbra Streisand assembled a flawless cast. The role of Claudia was made for Streisand. She has a field day with it. Maureen Stapleton is always a joy to see and she hits all emotional levels with this role. Karl Malden usually plays the stoic heroic man. This was an underrated performance and should have been garnered more attention. James Whitmore had a small pivotal role but showed what featured actor really means. And this is probably Richard Dreyfuss' best performance.
Martin Ritt was one of the great directors and he liked nothing more than a controversial film. This was a perfect film for him.
Streisand did triple duty on this film besides starring, she produce the film and did the musical score. Streisand has shown that she has a talent for scoring films. Before, she just wrote music for songs. This was a big step for her and it proved that she can do more than the normal performer.
If you like high drama, courtroom films or just plain good acting, this is your film.
DVD EXTRAS: Commentary by Barbra Streisand
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