Filmed in lovely, muted colors and often in dim settings, Raggedy Man has a nostalgic, wistful visual appeal that matches the gentleness with which most of the film is directed. Touchingly lyrical and romantic for the first three-quarters of the film, it takes a sudden U-turn into horror/thriller territory in the last quarter. Although this last section is as well done as the first, it seems as if the two parts don't belong together. This discrepancy in style ultimately damages the film, but not fatally. Director Jack Fisk draws a remarkably detailed performance from real-life wife Sissy Spacek. It's a cliché to say that the way a director films his wife reveals how much he loves her, but it's also undeniable that Spacek has never looked as beautiful -- verging on angelic at times -- as she does here. She's rarely acted better either, achingly conveying love for her children that is as palpable as the loneliness she hides inside. Spacek's actions speak as loud as her words, as when her expression when touching a gift of nylon stockings tells more about her life than any dialogue scene could. Eric Roberts also turns in a strong performance that effectively taps into his nicer side. Spacek would follow Raggedy Man with another strong showing in Missing. Craig Butler, Rovi

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