BBBBB
(out of 5)
One of the most polished and satisfying comedies of the eighties is this marvelous Cinderella romance starring a fantastic Melanie Griffith. She plays a hardworking Wall Street clerk who wants badly to move up in the world of finance but can’t get above the glass ceiling imposed by her gender, class and really big hair. When she gets a job working for a cutthroat account manager (Sigourney Weaver), she sees herself as finally getting somewhere until Weaver double-crosses her on a business idea and tries to take sole credit for the deal. Griffith retaliates by taking advantage of her boss’s medical leave and puts the deal through herself, posing as her boss and getting cozy with high-powered businessman Harrison Ford. The character interaction is highlighted by the delightful dialogue (‘I’ve got a head for business and a bod for sin’) and the unforgettable performances. Griffith shows incredible strength underneath her sweet voice and gentle demeanor, Ford does more than just his usual trademark mug, and Weaver has never been more terrifying or heartless. Added to that is the gemlike performance by Joan Cusack as Griffith’s New Jersey best friend. Carly Simon contributes a beautiful music score that includes her Oscar-winning theme song ‘Let The River Run’. If you blink you’ll miss David Duchovny‘s film debut as a guest at a party.
USA, 1988
Directed by Mike Nichols
Screenplay by Kevin Wade
Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus
Produced by Douglas Wick
Music by Rob Mounsey
Production Design by Patrizia von Brandenstein
Costume Design by Ann Roth
Film Editing by Sam O’Steen
Academy Award
Best Music (Original Song) (“Let The River Run”, music and lyric by Carly Simon)
Nominations
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Melanie Griffith as “Tess McGill”)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Joan Cusack as “Cyn”)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Sigourney Weaver as “Katharine Parker”)
Best Directing (Mike Nichols)
Best Picture (Douglas Wick, producer)
Golden Globe Awards
Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical
Best Performance By An Actress in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical (Melanie Griffith)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Sigourney Weaver)
Best Original Song-Motion Picture (“Let The River Run”, music and lyrics by Carly Simon) (tie)
Nominations
Best Director (Mike Nichols)
Best Screenplay (Kevin Wade)
