damethewoolf
I am one of those Dorothy Allison fanatics. Currently, I am working my way through the book for a second time. Unfortunately, this movie is but an eighth of the book, and in my opinion, a very poorly constructed eighth of a fantastic novel. Before watching any movie based on a novel by Dorothy Allison, you should read the book. Her books are highly emotional, and this movie is just emotionally confusing. These emotions are selfish, and geared more towards my own irritation, rather than emotions felt for the circumstances of the characters. Unlike my experiences with the novel, I could not develop any sort of personal familiarity with the characters. What does that mean? It means that this all-star cast of magnificent actresses and actors have wasted their time on an overall ineffective portrayal of complex characters with complex problems. The process of adaptation was a complete failure in my opinion, and if our lives were dependent upon it, we'd be dead!
gisellep
I thought this was an important movie.......it wasn't fun to watch, but it was real. I am glad to have watched it. I think it makes you a better person to see some of the ways that people can suffer and try to understand their spirits. I think Kyra did a good job with this role. She showed us how you can be strong and weak at the same time. How you can hate and love at the same time. How your actions are so important and what you do with your life. That being a victim isn't always a choice - but sometimes it is a hard choice. I also liked how the kids didn't perfectly forgive her or come out OK in the end. They are broken and different. I think this is a good movie
Donald Singleton
I was engaged by the movie. Thought the plot was believable enough, the direction good and the acting superior. One of my favorite sleeper films. Also the title song has remained with me, many months later.I thought the film dealt well with a number of real human situations involving sibling rivalry, sickness and death, the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, the breakup of the nuclear family, etc. And I wound up caring about all of the main characters. I don't ask much more of a movie.It does have an indy feel to it, but I thought that added to the charm. I would definitely add it to my library and watch it every now and then.
amanda-47
I saw `Cavedweller' at the Tribeca Film Festival. I haven't read the book, but this movie is only a small part of the book.Kyra Sedgwick once again proves herself to be a very versatile actress, she's amazing in this movie as her character struggles with her emotions. All three daughters do a wonderful job, but Regan Arnold stands out as the fish-out-of-water youngest daughter, moved suddenly from L.A. to small-town Georgia. Aidan Quinn is very strong in a rather ugly role. Kevin Bacon has a bit part but is wonderful, as always. Jill Scott, in what I believe is her acting debut, is wonderful and provides some needed light-hearted moments in the midst of all the heavy drama. Jackie Burroughs is terrific as the tough-as-nails grandmother.If you want to watch a romantic comedy, then this movie is not the one for you. If you want to watch a solid drama with excellent writing and acting, this movie will leave you more than satisfied.
AD
