Sunday, August 16, 2009

Living Out Loud

This 1998 film by Richard LaGravanese really worked for me last night. I was not in a great mood. I let someone upset me after what had been a very good day, but that's my own fault. Fortunately, I had received this film and it was exactly what I needed to see.

In the film, Holly Hunter's character is going through a divorce. She's lost and in despair and she starts to have a friendship with Danny DeVito, who's the elevator operator in her Fifth Avenue coop. She's also looking for her "purpose" in life and trying to remember her authentic self...after realizing she lost herself in her marriage.

There are a few really great scenes in the film. One is when she calls for a male masseuse and receives a sensual massage from a very handsome young man. And then another scene where she takes Ecstasy, kisses Danny Devito passionately in the elevator and then goes to a lesbian club and dances. It's a very sensual, fun dance and I watched it twice. (I danced once.) The scene is on You Tube, "Living Out Loud Ecstasy Scene" - but for some reason I couldn't upload it to the blog. My other favorite scene is when she's sitting with her ex around a table at a real estate closing and she throws pieces of a muffin at him and a glass of water.

I'm in the process of listening to LaGravenese's commentary about the film, which is very interesting.

One lesson I have to learn is not to let what people say upset me. I do know it's important, but I haven't quite figured out how to accomplish it. When I do figure that out, I'll let you know. And it also relates to the ending of my play....although I'm not quite sure how yet.

1 comment:

anniemcq said...

This is on my list of all time favorite films. Give Me Something Real always makes my favorite songs list.