BBB.5
(out of 5)
Delightful romantic comedy by Beeban Kidron, about love among the senior set. On the day of her husband’s funeral, Shirley MacLaine is approached by an old acquaintance (Marcello Mastroianni in his first English-language role) who announces that he has been in love with her for decades and is now finally free to tell her. A bit taken aback by his gall, MacLaine decides against all better advice to go out on a date with him anyway. Kathy Bates has an excellent supporting turn as MacLaine’s frustrated daughter, but the real moments of brilliance come from a terrific Marcia Gay Harden as MacLaine’s younger girl, who takes out her unhappiness in life by dressing up as a different movie star every day. The part is at first very comical, but eventually we get a good glimpse into the sorrow beneath it, and Harden is terrific every step of the way. This enjoyable comedy also stars Jessica Tandy and Sylvia Sidney.
Directed by Beeban Kidron
Screenplay by Todd Graff, based on his plays The Grandma Plays
Produced by Peggy Rajski
Music by Rachel Portman
Production Design by Stuart Wurtzel
Costume Design by Marilyn Vance
Film Editing by John Tintori
Cinematography by David Watkin
Cast Tags: Asia Vieira, Bob Dishy, Charles Cioffi, David Gow, Diane D’Aquila, Dominic Cuzzocrea, Doris Roberts, Emma Tammi, Genevieve Langlois, Gil Filar,Helen Hanft, Ida Bernardini, Irving Metzman, Jane Richardson, Janet Richardson, Jeremy Tracz, Jessica Tandy, Jim Millan, Joe Pantoliano, Kathy Bates, Lee Wallace, Louis Guss, Luba Goy, Maia Filar, Marcello Mastroianni, Marcia Gay Harden, Matthew Branton, Michael Ricupero, Philip Williams, Rosaria Russo, Sam Hutchison, Shirley MacLaine, Stephanie Yoyes, Stuart Stone, Sylvia Sidney
Golden Globe Award Nominations
Best Performance By An Actress in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical (Shirley MacLaine)
Best Performance By An Actor in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical (Marcello Mastroianni)
