Review of Last Summer (1981) by I Don't Know W — 05 Jul 2011

There are some definite things to appreciate in this, as well as some downsides. For one, it's surprisingly honest and witty for its time and seems to be genuinely observing its characters. It helps that this lacks some of the melodramatic sensibilities of films like it around the same time.

The style is spare and minimalistic, filled with long shots and close-ups. Additionally, it is at many times absent of any soundtrack, which helps increase the raw and realistic nature of it. Though the performances are a little over-the-top sometimes, as is to be expected from the time, it somehow works.

The script seems to be so good at being funny and candid that it seems natural. Barbara Hershey is a massive part of its appeal, playing a perfect blend of warmth and cruelty. Richard Thomas and Bruce Davison have a great rapport with each other as well and Catherine Burns is actually really heartbreaking as Rhoda.

Corny as it may be at times, it isn't afraid to venture into some brutally honest territory and portray some truly flawed characters. A major reason this works is ambiguity abounds at times, which is really great for the disillusioned and aimless approach this was trying to achieve.