It's a superb film, isn't it? This belongs alongside other adult dramas of the early to mid-'70s like "Five Easy Pieces," "King of Marvin Gardens" and "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams." It seemed like films changed drastically a few years after this with all the blockbusters and "event" movies, but it's nice to know that at one point studios would still take a chance on well-written, intelligent films that may or may not have found an audience.
James Caan has proved himself in his many roles, but I think his effectiveness in the "Godfathers" and other action-heavy films tended to limit the parts he was offered. He's completely vulnerable and honest here.
This is probably my favorite Marsha Mason performance, though that's an easy call because usually I find her annoying. I think Neil Simon wrote the most vivid characters for her, and instead of making her charming she came off as obnoxious. But here she's dark and gritty.
It's too bad this film isn't better known, but that's typical of my favorite movies.
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degrimstead-1
8 years ago
Marsha Mason played "shrews"? I don't get that at all. I've always loved her in the movies, and on TV. (Currently she plays the grandma on "The Middle.")
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