MovieChat Forums > September (1987) Discussion > better than people thought

better than people thought

posted 18 years ago by homer4e
15 replies | jump to latest

I had received this film when I bought the Woody Allen Collection 3 and judging from all the previous reviews plus incredibly low gross, even for Woody Allen films, I expected this movie to be weak. I was wrong. While not on par with other films, September is a Chekovian homage that is more independent then say the Bergman IMITATION of Interiors. It wasn't overly blatant with conversations of philosophy and religion, like other films where they were used for humor. This movie utilizes a small chamber piece and the result is a searing exploration of emotions, love, the past and trauma. Mia Farrow was magnificent in playing the depressed and suicidal Lane. Elaine Stritch was over-the-top in a good way in her performance as Diane. Each of the cast members were not used for jokes and this doesn't contain the usual amount of motifs and themes. An interesting, if inconsistent attempt at achieving true Bergman status, this film was really amazing and the climax of the film rivals so many others, because as the dialogue roared across the room, you can actually feel their hearts breaking. No small feat for a director who is known for works like ZELIG, BROADWAY DANNY ROSE, STARDUST MEMORIES.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] homer4e 18 years ago

this was by far better than Interiors because Interiors itself was an imitation (and an amateur one) of bleak Ingmar Bergman family tragedy which wouldn't really be a problem if it at least attempted to be a homage but anyway September is a unique mesh of Chekovian chamber pieces and theater drama in general. the scenery is beyond amazing, with such a minute detail paid to every room and the use of the light flowing from outside is an interesting contrast to how scared and frightened Lane is of the outside.

[–] ageraldinepageturner 18 years ago

Okay, maybe Interiors is an 'imitation' (I'd like to say homage) to Ingmar Bergman however, Interiors is a far better film than September. The acting is one hundred times better. Mia Farrow's performances is almost laughable compared to Mary Beth Hurt or Maureen Stapleton. And although Elaine Stritch is good, she can't top Geraldine Page's performance. I also find the quality of directing and writing to be a lot better in Interiors. Don't get my wrong, September is a very good, and underrated, film but Interiors is truly amazing. I just had a more emotional connection to the story and characters.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] mark-cooney 18 years ago

well, whatdya think?

[–] leopoldstotch911 17 years ago

so underrated, but arent all Woody dramas? (cept maybe Match Point. People seemed to like that one)

Everyone I implore you to check this film out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0015532/

[–] Xcalat3 17 years ago

I agree this is a much better movie than must people think, very interesting and good acting

7/10

I Worship The Goddess Amber Tamblyn

[–] Leave_it_to_Weaver 17 years ago

I love both Interiors and September, but i find myself rewatching September when i'm in a depressed mood and hitting the vodka. I love the atomosphere he creates in this film, and the music is just intoxicating. The acting is excellent and the dialogue heart breaking. Everyone just hits the right notes to me. Denholm Elliots character just broke my heart. Gotta admit, i had a bit of a crush on him so maybe that added to it. Definitely one of my favorites.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] cpf27 16 years ago

This is an underrated film. Not the typical Woody's film (maybe that is the reason why it is so underrated,) but very good.

8/10

[–] huweyjenkins 16 years ago

This is a wonderful movie and doesn't hit one false note. However Elaine Stritch waltzed away with the movie in my opinion. She was brilliant and should have got an award of some kind for playing this shallow, foolish woman to perfection. There was a lovely contrast between her over-the-top glamour and her daughter Mia Farrow's brooding intensity. I far prefer this movie to the almost unutterably pretentious "Interiors".

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] CosyCatNap 11 years ago

This is a wonderful movie and doesn't hit one false note.

This. The relationships between characters feel so effortlessly real, I was engaged.

But I have love in my heart - Yes, as a thief has riches, a usurer money

[–] agoodflyingbird 16 years ago

I highly agree with you. I just got done watching this and it is so much better than I remember. This is the kind of film you need to watch by your self just before bed, with no expectations. I think now that I'm older there are a lot of things I can relate with in this film. It is a really sad and touching film that is rich with emotion and stellar performances.

[–] pacwarbuff 13 years ago

Watched September this last night and thought I'd share a few thoughts.

While the plot is merely an "unrequited love" soap opera, Vermont country home setpiece, and especially the performances from all involved make September a much better film than much of the negative criticism I've read over the years indicates. Love the use of the Art Tatum-Ben Webster sides, the mentioning of Sam Waterston character's father having been blacklisted during the McCarthy era, and the fact that music and foreign films figure in these people's lives, like most people who populate Allen's films. As I mentioned previously, seeing September also cements my lifelong love affair with Dianne Wiest, who is the greatest Allen "stock player" ever. Denholm Elliott was in this, and I kept expecting him to say "It's like nothing you've ever gone after before"! This due more to his speaking patterns than any childhood association with his Marcus Brody role from Raiders.

I like Elaine Stritch's tough-as-nails/boozy broad role; her hard life is etched on her face, but she's the ultimate survivor and "moves on to the next crazy venture under the skies." Mia Farrow let loose and contributed genuine pathos with her character, Lane, who's based on Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner's daughter.

Consilio et prudentia