source: Passion Fish

Trailer—Passion Fish

Passion Fish

A film about a woman struggling to live with herself after a life changing accident. She is paralyzed from the waist down and drinks by the hour. She goes through a slew of nurses at her Louisiana home until she finally comes to terms with one played by Alfre Woodard. The film is supported by strong character moments and superb dialog. Overall, it is a beautifully written and well crafted film. John Sayles does an amazing job directing, writing and editing. He extracts memorable performances from Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodard, and never once shows an unnecessary scene or line. Look out for a supporting role from David Straithairn and the subtle yet poignant cinematography that drives the film to its end. (The Louisiana Bayous never looked so good!)

The kudos here go to David Strathairn (a wonderful, overlooked performer in "Matewan," "L.A. Confidential" and numerous other films). He comes the closest I've seen on film to an actual Cajun, from the accent down to details such as the white shrimp boots. When will this actor get the Oscar he deserves (as Jim Broadbent finally did this year)?

Mary McDonnell had a brief spate of success in films in the early 1990s before disappearing from the scene and reemerging recently on the television series "Battlestar Galactica." First she came to major attention in "Dances with Wolves," for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and then she graduated to the lead category in 1992 for her performance in "Passion Fish." McDonnell gives a lovely performance as a bratty soap opera actress who's confined to a wheelchair after an accident, and who must rely on a no-nonsense nurse (Alfre Woodard, lovely as well) for help. The film follows all of the requisite trajectories you'd expect from a movie like this, and the fish that give the film its name serve a heavy-handed symbolic purpose that seemed too much for me even at the time (and I was only seventeen). But the film does have a relaxed indie vibe to it, and I can see why people like it. Grade: B+

I love this movie as much today as I did when I first viewed it. The performances by the actors were wonderful, the soundtrack is really fantastic, and John Sayles' script was funny and thought provoking. I loved the whole May Alice-Rennie angle, the May Alice-Chantelle, and the Chantelle-Sugar story lines, all woven together masterfully. One of the things I love best about John Sayles' movies is his ability to add supporting characters in such a fun and useful way. And he chooses REAL actors for those parts (note Angela Bassett). I thought he really captured the feel of bayou land, LA. and friction? boy! was there ever friction!

John Sayles is a truly brilliant filmmaker. This film combines great story writing with precise interpersonal direction. Both Mary McDonnel and Alfre Woodard deliver characters who develop clearly throughout the story. Mr. Sayles' depiction of Cajun culture as it crosses with Yankee cultures is really quite impressive. Although the screenplay leans towards sentimentality, it never becomes trite as so many interpersonal dramas have a tendency to do. Sayle's scathing commentary on the self-centeredness of mainstream American culture through his depiction of people associated with daytime drama while avoiding any negative commentary on southern culture is refreshing and a pleasure to watch.

John Sayles never disappoints as a director, and "Passion Fish" affirms that. After a car accident paralyzes soap opera star May-Alice Culhane (Mary McDonnell), she returns to her childhood home in Louisiana, bitter about everything. After rejecting several caretakers, she befriends Chantelle (Alfre Woodard, happy birthday!). From there, we see how their lives and experiences help them form a bond. I know that it sounds like the average Hollywood crap, but remember, this is John Sayles so he knows how to do it right. The title refers to a legend told to May by local man Rennie (David Strathairn). The legend is likely to blow your mind. With zydeco music to keep things going, this is definitely a movie that I recommend. Also starring Vondie Curtis-Hall and Angela Bassett.

Writer/Director John Sayles' 1992 outing tells the tale of a soap opera star (Mary McDonell), who's been in a car accident, and is now wheelchair bound, and her unlikely friendship with her live-in nurse (Alfre Woodard). Excellent supporting roles from the great David Strathairn (A Sayles fave, star of Limbo), Vondie Curtis-Hall (who went on to direct Gridlock'd), and Angela Bassett. I gotta say this. Sayles always writes believable characters, and his dialogue is amongst the best in filmdom. I knew my wife would like this, which was my main motivation for renting it. I'd seen it before, but had forgotten just how good it is. McDonell garnered a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her role in this largely overlooked gem. 4 (of 5) stars on this one.