Crimes of the Heart (1986)

Three Oscar-winning actresses have a go at one of playwright Beth Henley's southern-fried comedies, and cook up an agreeable gumbo. In the town of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, Diane Keaton dithers her birthday away as one sister (Jessica Lange) returns from a flopped attempt at a singing career in Hollywood, and the other sister (Sissy Spacek) languishes in jail after shooting her abusive hubby. Truth be told, all three have been a little touched in the head ever since the long-past day when their mother hanged herself along with the family cat. Bruce Beresford provides the workmanlike direction, and Sam Shepard and Tess Harper contribute supporting turns. But this one's all about the three skillful stars, who eschew showboating and defer to each other with real grace--they have the rhythms of family conversation down pat, and they embody the glances and sighs of sisterhood, rather than acting them. --Robert Horton Amazon.com essential video

Great Movie

This is one of my favorite movies I recommend it to people of all ages, it'll make you laugh and feel good especially if you have a sister. February 22, 2008

shazam! them southern gals sure is a caution, aint they?

ok, i dont wanna pick on jessica lange and sissy spacek, but why didnt they get sally field to play the third sister instead of diane keaton? huh? then we could have had all three of the country tragedy troika of a year before. instead we only get two, but together with diane they manage to star in one of the most oppressive adaptations of a play you will ever see. not that beth henleys play was much better (and she IS responsible for the screenplay as well), but at least at a play you can get out at intermission. i am soooo tired of southern women being portrayed as whining (yet oddly sophisticated) harpies. artificial dialogue, ugly to watch, i would rank this among the worst ive ever seen if not for the fact its too forgettable to make the list.
May 11, 2007

Great Service, Great Product

Although it has been a while since I made this purchase I do remember that I was well pleased with the prompt delivery and the excellent condition of the DVD upon its arrival. January 4, 2007

Very entertaining!

Typically films that blend comedy and drama don't come off very well. They have a tendency to swing from one extreme to the other without establishing a happy medium. "Crimes of the Heart" is not like that at all. The blend of comedy and drama is smooth and effortless. Basically the premise is a look at the relationship between the quirky Magrath sisters in the small town of Hazlehurst Mississippi. Elder sister Lenny (Diane Keaton) is an aging spinster with little experience with men. Middle sister Meg (Jessica Lange) has had more than her fair share of men and scandals that result. Youngest sister Babe (Sissy Spacek) has just shot her abusive husband and is facing a lengthy prison term if convicted. It is this event that brings the sisters together where their idiosyncrasies and past resentments surface and set the stage for some amusing confrontations and revelations. To me this film is synonymous with a warm hug as the atmosphere is very welcoming and familiar and as viewers we can really feel like a part of the Magrath sister's world. The performances are terrific and very natural. There's no impression of upstaging or attention mongering. The three leads act with each other as opposed to acting "at" each other. Tess Harper and Sam Shepard complete the film with their supporting turns. This is a great film that gets better with additional viewings and interestingly enough becomes more compelling and entertaining. Lots of fun! July 20, 2006

Three Unlikely Sisters make Fun

Crimes of the Heart is the screen adaptation of the hit Beth Henley play. The McGrath sisters are an unlikely a set of sister. Their family was once the pillar of society but now they have fallen from grace.

Lenny (Diane Keaton) is the oldest sister, Meg (Jessica Lange) is the middle sister and Babe (Sissy Spacek) is the baby sister. Each is very different. Lenny has become a spinster (well she was a spinster even before she was old.) Meg has always been a free spirit and has fled the small southern town (well, she left a under a cloud.) Babe had everything come easy to her and married a successful lawyer. Also, there is cousin Chick (Tess Harper) who married above her station and is quick to point out the sisters faults.

As the film starts Lenny is celebrating her birthday, alone. Babe returns to the family home after shooting, but not killing, her husband. Meg also returns for a reunion under these unpleasant circumstances. Of course, what follows is the sisters reopening old wounds. Meg also opens up one of her own old wounds by reuniting with her high school sweetheart, Doc (Sam Sheppard or Mr. Jessica Lange). But the big question is why did Babe shoot her husband (Beeson Carroll)? She won't even tell her own lawyer (David Carpenter).

This is a brilliant comedy with great performance by all. Sissy got the Oscar nomination but all three sisters were great. This is a great look at the early eighties mores from a small town point of view.

DVD EXTRAS: None
December 19, 2005

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