Smooth Talk

Rating:
Summary: Classic Coming of Age Film
Review: Based upon a short story by Joyce Carol Oates (Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?), Smooth Talk stars a lovely Laura Dern in her first 'big' role. Dern plays a young woman, Connie, who is at the difficult time in her life when she is making the transition between girl and woman. She meets a attractive yet slightly scary older man played by Treat Williams.

I suppose the plot could have been handled in a lurid, trite manner, but the direction by Joyce Chopra, as well as the fine acting by Ms. Dern and Williams, make this film rise above what could have been a fairly pedestrian effort in lesser hands.

We've all been in Connie's world, the world that suddenly presents itself when the tie to one's parents begins to loosen. We watch, and cringe, at some of the choices Connie and her friends face, waiting and hoping that all turns out well when she makes some poor decisions. Williams plays Arnold Friend ("A Friend") to unctuous perfection. In the story, he's 30 but tries to acts 18; Williams fits right in.

I'm not going to give away the ending, but let's just say that Connie's parents have real reason to be concerned about their daughter and the choices she makes. The film does end differently than the short story.

James Taylor was the film's music director, and some of his classic music is prominently displayed here.

BTW, this film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1986. It's a shame that a excellent film such as this just seems to slip through the cracks. A DVD is really in order.

Highly Recommended.

(A post script. I just learned (November 28, 2004) from the Ebert and Roper review program that Smooth Talk will be coming out on DVD!!!!!

Thanks to the person who made this possible. I have a VHS copy that was a video store reject.)

Rating:
Summary: Classic Coming of Age Film
Review: Based upon a short story by Joyce Carol Oates (Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?), Smooth Talk stars a lovely Laura Dern in her first 'big' role. Dern plays a young woman, Connie, who is at the difficult time in her life when she is making the transition between girl and woman. She meets a attractive yet slightly scary older man played by Treat Williams.

I suppose the plot could have been handled in a lurid, trite manner, but the direction by Joyce Chopra, as well as the fine acting by Ms. Dern and Williams, make this film rise above what could have been a fairly pedestrian effort in lesser hands.

We've all been in Connie's world, the world that suddenly presents itself when the tie to one's parents begins to loosen. We watch, and cringe, at some of the choices Connie and her friends face, waiting and hoping that all turns out well when she makes some poor decisions. Williams plays Arnold Friend ("A Friend") to unctuous perfection. In the story, he's 30 but tries to acts 18; Williams fits right in.

I'm not going to give away the ending, but let's just say that Connie's parents have real reason to be concerned about their daughter and the choices she makes. The film does end differently than the short story.

James Taylor was the film's music director, and some of his classic music is prominently displayed here.

BTW, this film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1986. It's a shame that a excellent film such as this just seems to slip through the cracks. A DVD is really in order.

Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: I can't believe there aren't more reviews
Review: I hope every tween parent will show this movie to their daughter. In 1986 I and my friends were foolish and foolhardy. At the time we were breaking away from out parents and doing what Connie is in this movie. Realizing the power we had, being excited by that but at the same time not ready.

I laugh and Marvel at Treat Williams (Dr. Brown) as playing the scary older man who she meets and isn't quite ready for. He was scary!

The way the ending is done is scary as can be for I think even girls out of their teens. The director could have allowed us to see everything but instead she pulls back and lets the audience imagine. It is almost like the storywriters want you to think about it. Although you might be tempted to think Carla could do this or could do that, she is a teenager -- not bright enough to take action even when she knows how much trouble she is in. I am sure that is why Treat picks her. It isn't that she isn't bright, just not world weary and somewhat is shock at what is happening.

It is a highly recommended movie.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie
Review: I remember seeing this movie when I was a young girl, I think they were showing it on PBS. I am happy to see that it is on DVD as it deserves to be. Great movie and great performances by the cast.

Rating:
Summary: Worth Going Back to--Better Than Most Contemporary Films
Review: Laura Dern in her inaugural film presents
a fine portrait of innocence/adolescent
curiosity cast into a dangerous,
predatory world. Treat Williams isn't as
menacing as the character from the Joyce
Carole Oates short story. Truthfully,
the film isn't as frightening as the short
story, but it still manages to carry much
of the sense of threat, predation, and
psychological tension of the original.
The film title misses the boat--a real
throwaway title and a missed opportunity.
The story and film make an interesting
comparison/contrast study in the relative
strengths of literary and film narrative.


Rating:
Summary: Excellent movie about growing up
Review: This is a fantastic movie. I can't believe is finally out on DVD it was about time. This film is excellent from start to finish mainly due to the great performances from the cast. Laura Dern in one of her early roles shines in this great film. Treat Williams is fantastic as the mysterious older man who sweeps Connie off her feet. The music on this movie is great also especially James Taylor's top ten hit from 1977, "Handy Man". Now that this gem is finally on DVD you owe it to yourself to see this great movie and discover just how good "SMOOTH TALK" is.