Review of September (1987) by Ann L — 11 Apr 2010

SEPTEMBER.

Pretty darn good film. Talky but well acted. Features a dynamic ensemble cast. No laughs here but will surely raise eyebrows. Not exactly melodramatic but gets pretty intense. This complicated drama centers on an emotionally fragile young woman, Lane, superbly played by Mia Farrow, who is as yet still recovering from a nervous breakdown which happened earlier in the year. Lane is at home in Vermont preparing to sell the family house and property to cover her mounting personal debt, including huge medical expenses, and a move to New York in September, a couple of weeks away, where she hopes to make a fresh start with her new boyfriend, who is a writer. However, he seems to have other ideas, chief among them being romantic designs on Lane's best friend. To make matters worse, Lane's mother and stepfather have dropped in for an impromptu stay and are thinking about moving in permanently. Soon Lane learns that the potential buyers do not want to pay her asking price which will also place her future plans in serious jeopardy unless she accepts financial help from a kindly neighbor who seems to care for her very much despite Lane's lack of interest in him. The question is: Will things work out for her or is Lane heading for a second breakdown?

Elaine Stritch was absolutely wonderful as Lane's overbearing mother. She gave an incredibly strong performance in this role. What an evil character. I definitely see her as a very serious contender on a short list of the best/worst movie villainous mothers of all time along the lines of Angela Landsbury's role as Laurence Harvey's mother in the Manchurian Candidate.