paul thomas martin

I haven’t seen this film probably since it was released on video from Blockbuster Video. We have all seen some dreadful performances on film by Madonna (Swept Away, Body Of Evidence, etc.). Here, however, she’s basically playing who she was at the time...and effectively. But what really sticks out to me are the technical aspects of the film. The direction by Susan Siedelman shows firm ability. What really impressed me was the Cinematography by Director of Photography Edward Lachman (Carol, I’m Not There, and Far From Heaven) Santo Loquasto’s Production Design and the Art Direction of Speed Hopkins (Loquasto and Hopkins are long time collaborative colleagues of Woody Allen). They create lush urban atmospheres with lots of green and red jewel tones throughout the film making it truly beautiful to watch. A great supporting cast (with a young and unknown to me at the time, Laurie Metcalf, and an always reliable Aidan Quinn) makes this an above average, and now nostalgic comedy. I’d say it’s worth a watch if you haven’t seen it and if you have, take a trip back to a mid 80’s New York City prior to it’s gentrification.