I've been downloading and watching all of Ryder's films lately. Teen movies are the ones i've liked most so far; besides, some of the stuff she did in the 80's is little known in my country. I have just watched Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael --like, ten minutes ago-- and i'd lie if i said it's among my favorites. No reason in particular, really; i guess it's not my kind of story, just that.
Anyway, something came to my mind during one scene that might explain why this film is not at the top positions of Winona fans' rankings. It's two scenes actually: the one where Dinky shuts herself inside Roxy's bedroom, and the first scene in Dinky's own bedroom. In the former one, Dinky seems to gaze with nostalgia at the boxes of candy, the dresses, the pictures, all the stuff she would own, had she been born a prettier, richer, luckier girl. But i like Winona precisely because she is the unpretty geek sleeping in the dark bedroom with the old stereo and the little bed, dying her clothes black and showing more personality than any candy-munching, pink-dressing, sugar-flavored prom queen. So maybe that's why i didn't like the movie that much: i like the ugly duckling as it is. Who needs a damned swan?
Not that i disliked it either; i enjoyed some things--the pet family, Dinky getting on the bus in rigorous black and topped with a pink bow, the comforting verification that Carmichael is a fraud, etc.
reply
share
hikacute
14 years ago
I just watched this film online since it is unavailable where I am and video stores don't really exist anymore- I thought it was charming! Really interesting characters, beautiful story development, I really related to her character. Definately catharsis for me at 25 to see a movie and remember how people always said to me when I was 11: You look like a little Winona and all you need is a black room and an ark of animals .....needless to say I laughed because I already had those things. I think it is a wonderful coming of age story, and I so very much love the pace of older quieter movies. The awkward kissing scene made me blush and giggle to remember how uncomfortable my first kiss was around that age, and even pretty-boy-deuche eventually had charm to him (when they ran in the woods anyone else have a flashback to Greek Myths and the story of Apollo and Daphne?). Honestly the film was cleverly executed- it's a shame it didn't receive more exposure. Much like Clint Eastwood's beautiful but little known film "Breezy"- this one is a gem.
As far as fave Winona films, I seem to be marathoning her movies this week. Just rewatched "How to Make an American Quilt" and I haven't seen that sweet film since I was a kid. Her movies are always endearing in my eyes, especially the ones where she plays the outcast are my faves. Gorgeous then and gorgeous now- I hope we see a revival of sweet storylines starring such an excellent actress. Here's to more films like this one.
reply
share