MovieChat Forums > Miss Firecracker (1990) Discussion > Eternal Grace and the Beauty Within

Eternal Grace and the Beauty Within


I channel-surfed upon this movie - chopped up by commercials.

I think I'm glad I didn't see it on the big screen.
The film felt very awkward; pacing was off and a bit chaotic.
I was actually grateful for some of those commercial interruptions.
Now that I've learned it is based on a play - I can see where the crazy dialogue was coming from.

Now don't get all defensive - I'm glad I saw this movie, even if it does admonish us with a withering barrage of blows from a tiny ball-peen hammer; tempering out our need to cling to the superficial - with the importance of what lies beneath.

I came across two User Reviews that I think give a lot of insight:

"All of the women in this play, except Popeye, define themselves in relation to the contest. Staying with Henley's successful formula of an insecure heroine who searches for acceptance from society and her family, The Miss Firecracker Contest is dominated by the beauty queen "wannabe," Carnelle Scott (a role created on stage by then little-known Southern actress Holly Hunter). Carnelle is not merely competing for the crown; she wants to win the contest so that she can win acceptance from the town of Brookhaven, Mississippi, shed her tawdry reputation, and leave the town in a "crimson blaze of glory." Carnelle's own name even expresses her sexual nature -- the derivation of her name, "carnal," means pleasures of a sexual nature." - Laura Wigley

Please read Laura Wigley's review

- and -

"One inspiration for her is her cousin, Elain, and there, Carnelle doesn't see the forest for the trees. Elain is a past Miss Firecracker. She's not only totally self-involved, but her life is built around her past victories. To Carnelle, Elain's life is perfect." - blanche-2

Please read blanche-2's review

What is beauty?

External beauty fades.

Internal beauty can last a lifetime and shine thru the harshest physical existence . . . with eternal grace.

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