MovieChat Forums > Still Breathing (1998) Discussion > A wonderful modern fairytale in cynical ...

A wonderful modern fairytale in cynical times....

posted 17 years ago by janetfowlow
4 replies | jump to latest

This movie was a delight to watch. I agree with my previous poster, if you're not a sensative man, don't bother. But if you want to see the kind of man that a lot of women yearn for, then Fletcher is it. I must have watched this movie 4 times in a row when I first saw it - I couldn't believe someone could put together a film so close to what a modern sensitive woman wants.

Incredible casting for this film is what really made the tale believeable. Brendan Fraser (who plays artist Fletcher McBraken) fits perfectly into the heart of his quirky, romantic character, a type of fish out of water scenario which he seems to play effortlessly. Joanna Going is breathtaking in this film, and seeing her character flow from cynicism to hope is a sight to behold. The fact that this film engages the essence of the emotion and mystery of discovering each other is what hooked me. The absence of sex on screen, at least, helped keep with the films clean and romantic feel. It truely highlighted Fletcher's differences to many other men. The supporting cast only go to further puntuate the complexities and willing innocence of this character.

Women artists certainly love this film - it's their water for chocolate, if I do say so myself (being one). A great date film to open the topic of true compatibility, seeing through the cynisim of the surface, and getting to the heart of who each other can truely be. Two thumbs up.

[–] lrlolfc 17 years ago

Couldn't agree with you more Janet. I watched this on TV late last night and was tired, but still thought it was a great film. I'm going to look out for the DVD and then sit down in a quiet time and concentrate on watching it when I'm wide awake.

Loved the soundtrack too, I see there's some postings on that as well here.

Like you say, keeping the sex off of the screen, keeps the fairytale theme going well.

[–] I_have_a_brain_cloud 16 years ago

Agreed on all points.

And although there is no on-screen sex, the kissing scenes are very very sexy, in fact the sexiest (in my opinion) in the entire BF oeuvreQ

until the female utters a loud, piercing cry of ecstasy

[–] denise1234 8 years ago

janetfowlow^

Lovely review, and spot on 

"Joanna Going is breathtaking in this film, and seeing her character flow from cynicism to hope is a sight to behold."

Her character arc was handled superbly, both by the director and by the actress.

"The fact that this film engages the essence of the emotion and mystery of discovering each other is what hooked me. The absence of sex on screen, at least, helped keep with the films clean and romantic feel."

I wish more directors did this^ -- depict how both sensual and truly romantic an encounter/lovers' moment can be, sans immature giggling groping graphic types of 'love/lust' scenes that are too often seen in film/TV these days, and that make me want to fast forward through every time.

"Much communication in a motion, without conversation or a notion"

[–] jakejensen1993 8 years ago

I just watched Still Breathing for the first time... BEAUTIFUL FILM