Unhook the Stars (1996) - film review

An ageing middle-class widow, Mildred, finds herself alone when her rebellious daughter storms out of her home.  Her life takes a new and unexpected direction when a neighbour, Monica, asks her to baby sit for her young son, J.J., after her husband walks out on her.  Although they are complete opposites, the two women form an immediate friendship and Mildred offers to look after J.J. on a regular basis.  Through Monica, Mildred discovers that there is more to life than caring for others and it is about time she started to think a bit more about herself.

Nick Cassavetes’ debut work as a director is this accomplished bitter-sweet film, Unhook the Stars.  Occasionally funny, sometimes intensely poignant, this is a low-key film which skilfully manages to avoid sentimentality, and is all the better for it.

The adept blend of comedy and drama makes surprisingly entertaining viewing.  What is particularly pleasing about this film is the way that it defies your expectations.  Just when a familiar American stereotypical attitude,  character or situation appears,  something unexpected happens to surprise and challenge the viewer’s expectations.  In some ways, the film is a subtle yet uncompromising satire on the cosy American lifestyle, with its false values and flawed certainties.

Gena Rowlands’ performance as Mildred is a magnificent tour-de-force, perfectly contrasted by Marisa Tomei’s hyperactive, neurotic Monica.  The strong American line-up is joined by the legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu, playing a Canadian lorry driver, bringing a touch of dramatic intensity to some memorable moments of sombre reflection.

© James Travers 2001

Write a review for this film...

What do you think of this film?