Review of Passion Fish (1992) by David M — 11 Jul 2005

[i]Passion Fish[/i], written and directed by John Sayles, is the story of a soap opera actress named Mary Alice (Mary McDonnell) who becomes paralyzed in an auto accident. Afterwards she returns to her small town southern home where she goes through a series of nurses/caretakers due to her drinking, self-pity and extremely offensive behavior.

Eventually Chantelle (Alfre Woodard) shows up, determined to make the situation work because of her need for the job and the need to exorcise some demons in her own closet. The two women often tangle, but soon learn to begrudgingly respect one another.

Throw in male interests Rennie (David Straitharn) and Sugar (Vondie-Curtis Hall) and lots of cajun culture and you have the makings of a solid flick. The films of John Sayles are heavy on dialogue and character development, and [i]Passion Fish [/i]is no exception.

I enjoyed the southernisms as in addition to the interaction between Mary Alice and Chantelle, as well as the side stories of Rennie and Sugar, however I felt the introduction of Chantelle's daughter and father came too late in the film to add any substance, in fact it kind of dragged the film down.

That said if you enjoy the work of John Sayles you will likely enjoy this film.