JONATHAN DEMME

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

USA, 1988.  Orion Pictures, Mysterious Arts.  Screenplay by Barry Strugatz, Mark R. Burns.  Cinematography by Tak Fujimoto.  Produced by Edward Saxon, Kenneth Utt.  Music by David Byrne.  Production Design by Kristi Zea.  Costume Design by Colleen Atwood.  Film Editing by Craig McKay.  

Michelle Pfeiffer is hilarious in this terrific comedy as a mafia wife who decides to get far away from her husband’s mob connections after he is bumped off by a heartless boss (Dean Stockwell). Stockwell isn’t happy about her attempts to distance herself, deciding to keep a close eye on her instead, which then gives the Feds the idea that she is his new mistress, which then prompts federal agent Matthew Modine to also keep a close eye on her life.  Mercedes Ruehl has a delicious supporting role as Stockwell’s practically insane wife (her role laid down the groundwork for Lorraine Bracco in GoodFellas for sure).

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Supporting Actor (Dean Stockwell)

Golden Globe Award Nomination:  Best Actress-Musical/Comedy (Michelle Pfeiffer)