Customer Reviews

Nuts [VHS]

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

"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.

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

NUTS is a great movie from Barbra Streisand. One of her best acting performances! The movie is about a high class call girl named Claudia (Barbra Streisand) who kills a client in self defense. Her parents want to avoid scandal by having her declared mentally incompetant to stand trial. After attacking her attorney, her case is taken over by a legal aide attorney (Richard Dreyfuss). Claudia doesn't do much to help her case, with her constant outbursts in the courtroom. It was a really well done drama, with an interesting plot and good acting all around.

This movie is absolutely breathtaking. I cried like, five times in it. People who have only rated this as one star are entitled to their opinion, but I mean, this is a movie that is too breathtaking for words. I think everyone should have it, because it touches everyone. Barbra Streisand is one of the best actresses I have ever seen. Wow, just wow!

"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.

The movie is almost solely carried by Barbara Streisand's scorching performance as a high class hooker wrongly accused of first degree manslaughter. The courtroom scenes are fascinating, and if you love fast witty banter, this is a delight. The subject is weighty (a couple of rants toward the end are also a bit predictably feminist) but thought-provoking, and its rendition into the dramatic screenplay is very, very satisfying. Highly recommended for the discerning viewer.

Barbara Streisand plays a high priced hooker accused of manslaughter who must prove to the court she is mentally competent enough to prove her guilt and innocence. Streisand delivers a magnetic performance. Whether or not the character Claudia parallels Streisands own life or not is material. All actors draw from their own experiences. This actually was a tour de force for the entire ensemble. A must see movie and definitely on my all time favorites list. This is one I break out when company comes to town.

This film was based on a true story! A lot of people didn't like this movie because of the ending or because of some part in the movie. I think they should consider the fact that they acted out what was real, the movie ended that way because that's how it ended in real life. Give Barbara a break! I think she performed great! She did her job, and that is part of being a good actress. So what if she used profanity and acted out rationally, that was her character and she played it very well in my opinion. We watched this film in my forensic psychology class to learn more about "competence to stand trial". Everyone loved it. It kept our attention and was interesting to a bunch of college students and trust me it takes a lot to gain the attention of most college students. We all loved this film. I didn't give it a 5 because I am very much a movie critic and a 5 would be outstanding coming from me. I gave it a strong 3 because I thought it was appropriate and come on the movie came out when I was 7 years old. I thought it was great for an older film. Thank you

Again, i am a Streisand freak. Her acting was real in this movie. Again Great movie...will watch it over and over again