Review of Smooth Talk (1985) by Samantha S — 12 Jun 2015
If this PBS version of Joyce Carol Oates' fabulous short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" does nothing else, it shows us that no drama will live up to the master story-telling of the classic in print.
Like all great authors, she uses the gears of our imaginations to take us someplace we've never been before. While the tragic story unfolds in a suspenseful and methodical fashion, this melodrama comes off more as a cautionary tale.
The differences are necessary to make the film stand apart from the story, and it's easy to appreciate that most of the audience will need to be diverted in other ways, but most of the detours are unworthy.
Having stated this fact, the last half hour is cohesive enough to praise, especially for the blossoming talent of Laura Dern and the perhaps understated, but earnest creepiness of Treat William's performance.
Mary Kay Place, as Connie's mother, demonstrates admirable acting, but still seems misplaced--as is Elizabeth Berridge who plays June. The synthesizer soundtrack makes all but the last scenes a period piece--even when it adds some tension towards the finale'.
It's good, but it could easily have been more ominous.
This review of Smooth Talk (1985) was written by Samantha S on 12 Jun 2015.
Smooth Talk has generally received mixed reviews.
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