Unhook the Starsis a 1996 Americandrama filmdirected byNick Cassavetes,and starring his motherGena Rowlands,Marisa Tomei,Gérard Depardieu,Jake Lloydin his film debut,David Sherrill,David Thornton,Bridgette WilsonandMoira Kelly.
| Unhook the Stars | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Nick Cassavetes |
| Written by | Helen Caldwell Nick Cassavetes |
| Produced by | René Cleitman, Panos Nicolaou co-producer |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Phedon Papamichael Jr. |
| Edited by | Petra von Oelffen |
| Music by | Steven Hufsteter |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 103 minutes |
| Countries | France United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $272,542 |
Rowlands plays Mildred, a widow who befriends the wayward Monica (Tomei), a single mother from across the street, and eventually finds herselfbabysitterof Monica's young son, J.J. (Lloyd) Throughout the film, Monica and J.J. inadvertently teach Mildred valuable life lessons about herself and her relationships with others.
Rowlands and Tomei both receivedSAG Awardnominations for their performances. The film's title refers to a song of the same name byCyndi Lauper,which can be heard over the closing credits.
Plot
editMildred is a widow living with her rebellious, irresponsibletwentysomethingdaughter Annie inSalt Lake City.One day after a fight, Annie goes to live as a vagrant with her boyfriend, leaving Mildred alone for the first time in her life. Her wayward neighbor Monica knocks on Mildred's door, begging her to watch her young son J.J. so she can go to her work shift. Monica has kicked her abusive husband Frankie out of their house.
Mildred agrees to watch J.J., and offers to babysit and take him to school whenever Monica needs her to. Establishing a close relationship with J.J. and Monica, he eventually comes to refer to her as "Auntie Mildred." Mildred reads to him, takes him to the park, and educates him on history by reading from her encyclopedias. AtThanksgiving,Mildred invites Monica and J.J. over for dinner as well as heryuppieson Ethan and his wife Jeannie. Jeannie is perturbed by Monica's brash behavior andcursing,though Ethan and Mildred seem disaffected by her personality. Ethan suggests that Mildred should move toSan Franciscowith him and Jeannie.
Mildred spendsChristmaswith Monica and J.J., and babysits him onNew Year's Eve.OnValentine's Day,Frankie comes to Monica's in the middle of the night, begging to reunite with her. She quietly listens to his pleas, but does not open the door. Monica gets a babysitter for J.J. so she can go out for a night with Mildred, taking her to a local pub where she introduces her to her friend Big Tommy, a truck driver who expresses interest in Mildred. Monica leaves the bar without telling Mildred, so Big Tommy gives Mildred a ride home.
Mildred goes to visit Ethan and Jeannie in San Francisco, where he invites her to live on the top floor of their luxurious house overlooking theBay Area,and reveals that Jeannie is pregnant. She ultimately refuses Ethan's offer, enraging him. Mildred returns home to find that Monica and Frankie have reconciled, and J.J. begins spending more time with his father, leaving Mildred depressed and alone.
One night, Mildred returns home to find Annie there. She asks if she could return home, saying that she now has a job and is applying to college. However, Mildred tells her that she has sold the house, and has to be out by the end of the month. Mildred goes on a date with Tommy, and confesses she doesn't know where she's moving to.
While Monica helps Mildred pack her house, she tells her how much Frankie has improved as a husband, but senses Mildred's distance. Frankie brings J.J. over, and he asks to talk to Mildred in private. J.J. gives her a drawing and thanks her for taking care of him, and the three say their goodbyes. Annie drives Mildred to the airport, though Mildred refuses to tell her where she's going, saying it's a secret.
Cast
edit- Gena Rowlandsas Mildred
- Marisa Tomeias Monica
- Gérard Depardieuas Big Tommy
- Jake Lloydas J.J.
- David Sherrill as Ethan
- David Thorntonas Frankie
- Bridgette Wilsonas Jeannie
- Bobby Cooper as Bernt
- Clint Howardas Gus
- Moira Kellyas Ann Mary Margaret
Production
editParts of the film were shot in Salt Lake City, Utah.[1]
Release
editThe film was released theatrically in the United States on November 1, 1996 in alimited releaseinNew York City.[2]The film grossed a total of $272,542USDplaying on three screens.[2]The film later received a wider release onValentine's Day1997.[3]
Critical reception
editUnhook the Starsreceived generally positive critical reaction. On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,82% of 22 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.5/10.[4]Roger Ebertgave the film three out of four stars, calling it "a film of gentleness and low-key romance," and praised Rowlands' performance.[5]Entertainment Weeklygave the film a B− rating, also praising the film's performances.[6]
The New York Timesalso praised the performances in the film, but gave an ambivalent review, stating: "The impressive acting can cover up only so many glaring holes in a film that doesn't really know what it wants to say.Unhook the Starsisn't a story that had to be told but a sentimental contrivance constructed around its star. "[7]
References
edit- ^D'Arc, James V. (2010).When Hollywood Came to Town: A History of Moviemaking in Utah(1st ed.). Layton:Gibbs Smith.p. 298.ISBN978-1-4236-0587-4.WikidataQ123575108.
- ^ab"Unhook the Stars (1996)".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedNovember 3,2015.
- ^"Showtimes".New York Magazine.30.February 1997.
- ^"Unhook the Stars".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.Retrieved2023-01-21.
- ^Ebert, Roger (February 14, 1997)."Unhook the Stars".Chicago Sun-Times.RetrievedNovember 2,2015.
- ^Schwarzbaum, Lisa (February 17, 1997)."Unhook the Stars".Entertainment Weekly.Archived fromthe originalon 2016-11-06.RetrievedNovember 2,2015.
- ^Holden, Stephen (November 1, 1996)."Unhook the Stars (1996): A Widow Alone, Loving And Full of Longing".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2016-03-25.RetrievedNovember 3,2015.
