LIVING OUT LOUD
SYNOPSIS:
Judith Nelson (Holly Hunter) finally catches up with her unfaithful cardiologist husband,
Bob (Martin Donovan) – over an upmarket restaurant dinner in New York. Left on her
own, and having left a medical career in his honour, Judith walks through her life on
empty, until a freak little incident in a nightclub back room that kick starts her search
for a new life. She starts to see people in a new light, too – like Liz Baily (Queen
Latifah), the singer at the nightclub and her apartment block elevator operator, Pat
(Danny de Vito), with whom she forms a unique relationship.
"Delectable and delicious, Living Out Loud is one of those films that you just
don't want to end! With toe-tapping, soulful jazz and a moody score playing an
indispensable role, Richard LaGravenese has created a delicate, observant and hugely
engaging work. A beautifully crafted screenplay allows this internal, complex observation
of the workings of the human mind to blossom into an accessible and enjoyable experience.
You feel as though you get to know the characters; they are so real, they are almost
friends. Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito are beautifully matched in every respect –
even in height! Hunter is riveting – she positively glows with an inner spirit that
is totally infectious; DeVito is moving, vulnerable and will melt your heart. What they
have in common in loneliness: they are both searching for their dreams. But sometimes
dreams protest against reality, and choices are coloured by the head and not the heart.
Inevitably, the search is rewarded by the revelation of self. Central to the evolution of
the plot and characters is the cleverly written role of the soul singer, played by Queen
Latifah, who is sensational. This inspired casting adds an extra element, magnifying the
emotional impact. The lines and moments are memorable, as are many of the scenes –
watch for the one with the hunky masseur to-die-for. You'll squeal with laughter and
delight! This is a story about honesty, relationships and self. It's funny, it's sad, it's
unexpected, it's wonderful. Living Out Loud will make your heart glow. It's life, seen
from a special angle that shouldn't be missed."
Louise Keller
"It’s an engrossing film, emotionally expansive and full of superb moments of
truth. Hunter and de Vito are searingly vulnerable and give riveting performances, and the
script generates plenty of drama, comedy and not a little soul searching. From the
palpably, painfully real opening scenes to the somewhat wistful ending, Living Out Loud
brims with intimate observation; this is a film of close ups (though far from
claustrophobic and sometimes virile in its coverage of New York, always wonderfully
photographed) and close encounters. Yet there are reservations; some of the editing is
confusing, and partly to blame is the use of fantasy sequences – which are otherwise
marvellous and entertaining. I found a handful of scenes confusingly placed, throwing the
film a little off balance. I also have reservations about husband Bob’s character
being a tad one dimensional, but on the whole, the film gives off great vibes. Scenes such
as the lesbian nightclub, all of the music and Queen Latifah’s singing scenes are
sheer pleasure, as is all of the source as well as original music. Women will empathise,
men will shrug. But those are just superficial responses; the film does have more to
explore than mere gender rage."
Andrew L. Urban
"There are relatively few American films that are genuinely surprising. Welcome to
the irresistible and beguiling Living Out Loud, a studio film that concentrates on the
essence of character, rather than contrived situations, and while that is its strength, no
doubt distributors would find it tough to market. But no matter, for this directorial
debut by eloquent screenwriter Richard LaGravenese is a sexy, smart and droll
comedy/drama, allowing star DeVito the chance to deliver his finest performance to date,
in terms of its humour and pathos. Holly Hunter is sexy, funny and brilliant in this
movie, and the film crackles with interesting characters and a freshness rarely seen in
American films. They deliver LaGravenese's beautifully written dialogue with depth and
resonance, and his understated direction works in beautifully with his wry comment on
contemporary relationships. Also making this film truly special is the wonderful,
scene-stealing Queen Latifah, who lights up the screen as a blues singer. There's a
particularly special moment in the film, when Hunter and Latifah go to a dance club. Full
of truly rich and memorable characters, faultless performances and sequences that
alternate between the dryly funny and honest pathos, Living out Loud is a true gem of a
film."
Paul Fischer
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CRITICAL COUNT
Favourable: 3
Unfavourable: 0
Mixed: 0
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TRAILER
SOFCOM MOVIE TIMES
LIVING OUT LOUD (M)
(US)
CAST: Holly Hunter, Danny DeVito, Queen Latifah, Martin Donovan, Richard
Schiff, Elias Koteas
DIRECTOR: Richard LaGravenese
PRODUCER: Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
SCRIPT: Richard LaGravenese
CINEMATOGRAPHER: John Bailey
EDITOR: Jon Gregory, Lynzee Klingman
MUSIC: George Fenton
PRODUCTION DESIGN: Nelson Coates
RUNNING TIME: 102 minutes
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR: Roadshow
AUSTRALIAN RELEASE: May 27, 1999
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