Cavedweller Review
Lisa_Cholodenko's Cavedweller is a creditable adaptation of author Dorothy_Allison's work. It's another fine demonstration of Cholodenko's excellent work with actors and handling of tone, but the efficient script, by Anne_Meredith, lacks the bracing edginess of Cholodenko's original screenplays. Sharply focused performances, particularly by Kyra_Sedgwick as Delia and the electric young Regan_Arnold as her angry urbanite daughter, Cissy, and the true grit of Allison's tale of pain and resilience keep the film from veering into Lifetime movie territory. The songs, by former Prince bandmate Wendy_Melvoin, are pretty good, but an ethereally breathy vocal performance by Lisa_Germano on the film's main theme puts across the wounded, slightly off-kilter tone of the work. Allison renders some of the characters less vibrant than Delia and her daughters. For example, Rosemary, played by R&B star Jill Scott, doesn't seem to have much going on beyond her relationship with Delia. The film lacks the acuity of complex characterization that distinguishes both High_Art and Laurel_Canyon, but it's still a potent, absorbing family drama that ends on a note of real emotional power. Josh Ralske, Rovi
Great Film Moments:
- In Theaters
- This Week
- Coming Soon
- New on DVD
Browse More Movies:
