A pleasant film about pursuing one's bliss.
Helen Shaver is wonderful as Vivian, a Columbia English professor who has arrived in 1959 Nevada for a quickie divorce. She begins as strait-laced and inhibited, but, much to her astonishment, gradually warms to having a relationship with enthusiastic, young gay woman Cay (Patricia Charbonneau).
This movie, released 34 years ago, is now viewed as "the first feature film to depict a lesbian love story in a generally mainstream vein, with positive and respectful themes," according to Wikipedia. It amounts to a plea for tolerance and acceptance, and it's striking to consider the changes that have transpired since then, with same-sex marriage now the law of the land.
With a few exceptions, most of the characters in the film seem hostile to homosexuality, considering it abnormal. We observe a number of other things that also wouldn't occur in the same way today, such as blatant sexual harassment on the job, car windows that roll down, slot machines that actually require quarters, and being offered a Chiclet.
Vivian and Cay must maneuver as if their affection is bad and they are always hiding so as to not "cause talk." The movie is best in showing their blossoming affection and Vivian's gradual loosening to the point that she can kiss and eventually make love with Cay.
When the consummation of their love occurs, it is stunning.
"What do you think you're doing?" Vivian asks Cay, who sits bare-chested in her bed.
"Waiting for you."
"I want you to put on your clothes and leave," says a weakening Vivian.
"No you don't."
"Yes I do."
"No you don't."
"I want to know what to do," sighs a tremulous Vivian.
"You can start by putting that 'Do not disturb' sign on the door. So take your hands out of your pockets and come here."
The movie, written by Donna Dietch, features some wonderful dialogue, along with rugged Nevada landscapes and a country-music soundtrack featuring the likes of Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.
This movie recalls the 1983 film "Cross Creek," about another cultured woman who settles in a rural place to get something done (in this case, write a gothic novel), but, much to her surprise comes to connect far more deeply with local people than she'd have ever anticipated.
This is a message here about remaining open to the possibilities of life. Assume nothing!
Helen Shaver is wonderful as Vivian, a Columbia English professor who has arrived in 1959 Nevada for a quickie divorce. She begins as strait-laced and inhibited, but, much to her astonishment, gradually warms to having a relationship with enthusiastic, young gay woman Cay (Patricia Charbonneau).
This movie, released 34 years ago, is now viewed as "the first feature film to depict a lesbian love story in a generally mainstream vein, with positive and respectful themes," according to Wikipedia. It amounts to a plea for tolerance and acceptance, and it's striking to consider the changes that have transpired since then, with same-sex marriage now the law of the land.
With a few exceptions, most of the characters in the film seem hostile to homosexuality, considering it abnormal. We observe a number of other things that also wouldn't occur in the same way today, such as blatant sexual harassment on the job, car windows that roll down, slot machines that actually require quarters, and being offered a Chiclet.
Vivian and Cay must maneuver as if their affection is bad and they are always hiding so as to not "cause talk." The movie is best in showing their blossoming affection and Vivian's gradual loosening to the point that she can kiss and eventually make love with Cay.
When the consummation of their love occurs, it is stunning.
"What do you think you're doing?" Vivian asks Cay, who sits bare-chested in her bed.
"Waiting for you."
"I want you to put on your clothes and leave," says a weakening Vivian.
"No you don't."
"Yes I do."
"No you don't."
"I want to know what to do," sighs a tremulous Vivian.
"You can start by putting that 'Do not disturb' sign on the door. So take your hands out of your pockets and come here."
The movie, written by Donna Dietch, features some wonderful dialogue, along with rugged Nevada landscapes and a country-music soundtrack featuring the likes of Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.
This movie recalls the 1983 film "Cross Creek," about another cultured woman who settles in a rural place to get something done (in this case, write a gothic novel), but, much to her surprise comes to connect far more deeply with local people than she'd have ever anticipated.
This is a message here about remaining open to the possibilities of life. Assume nothing!