Unhook the Stars (1996)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes

Film Review

Nick Cassavetes' debut work as a director is this accomplished bitter-sweet film, Unhook the Stars.  Occasionally funny, sometimes intensely poignant, this is a low-key film which skilfully manages to avoid sentimentality, and is all the better for it. The adept blend of comedy and drama makes surprisingly entertaining viewing.  What is particularly pleasing about this film is the way that it defies your expectations.  Just when a familiar American stereotypical attitude,  character or situation appears,  something unexpected happens to surprise and challenge the viewer's expectations.  In some ways, the film is a subtle yet uncompromising satire on the cosy American lifestyle, with its false values and flawed certainties.

Gena Rowlands' performance as the central character Mildred is a magnificent tour-de-force that contrasts perfectly with Marisa Tomei's hyperactive, neurotic Monica.  The strong American line-up is joined by the legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu, playing a Canadian lorry driver - he brings more than few moments of dramatic intensity to a film that plays far more on the emotions than on the intellect. In narrative terms, there is very little to the film and what there is shows a distinct lack of logic and coherence. The overpowering performances more than make up for this and the end-result is an amiable, unpretentious romantic drama that can hardly fail to please.

Film Synopsis

An ageing middle-class widow, Mildred, finds herself alone when her rebellious daughter storms out of her home.  Her life takes a new and unexpected direction when a neighbour, Monica, asks her to baby sit for her young son, J.J., after her husband walks out on her.  Although they are complete opposites, the two women form an immediate friendship and Mildred offers to look after J.J. on a regular basis.  Through Monica, Mildred discovers that there is more to life than caring for others and it is about time she started to think a bit more about herself.