MovieChat Forums > Hysterical Blindness (2002) Discussion > A movie that's sadly overlooked...

A movie that's sadly overlooked...

posted 18 years ago by kbncyk
10 replies | jump to latest

For a movie that was so well-done, well-acted, and starring several well-known actors, I am surprised at how overlooked this little gem was. So many people have never even heard of the film, much less seen it. Others who know a little about it still won't watch it, they say, who wants to waste two hours on some silly '80's film or get depressed over someone who goes blind?

I really enjoyed this little movie. It was one of those that I was sad to see end. And what a great and realistic ending it was. They could have slapped on some unrealistic cliche conclusion to the film, like where Debby and Rick wind up together. I'm glad the movie didn't end like that way because it would have been unrealistic. Life isn't really like that.

It was much more satisfying and realistic for Debby to realize that Rick was only using her for sex, and that he wasn't really worth it anyway. Hopefully, she changed her ways for good, and not until she set her heavily made up blue eyes on the next good lucking guy who walks into her corner bar and life!

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] THESTARCHILD_90 17 years ago

This is definitely an exceptional and realistic movie. It's also really fortunate that Mira Nair, such a gifted director who has an eye for realism like no other, got to direct such a powerful screenplay. It's a shame that it's such a gem, but who knows, many movies become successful years after they were released for some reason or another. Citizen Kane for example, was totally blacklisted fora ridiculous amount of time and is now considered to be the greatest film of all time(not according to me whatsoever) by the AFI. So hopefully HB will make a comeback.

[–] treedcub 16 years ago

I agree. This movie is so unusual, I'm not surprised it's a best kept secret. The performances are stunning, bolstered by masterful writing. These characters are written with a very sharp understanding of women who lack a solid sense of self, and who are willing to give too much to get a man. Uma Thurman's character is believably desperate, a terrific acting feat considering such a beautiful woman is playing a character who can't seem to hold onto a man. Juliette Lewis fully inhabits her role as a big-haired Jersey girl who has more self respect than the friend she loves, and tries to help, to no avail. Their lives are depressing, and 1980's Jersey is less than photogenic, which may account for the way this film was all but disregarded. Nevertheless, I definitely felt like I was watching a very original bit of film making here, and I highly recommend it.

[–] WarpedRecord 16 years ago

I totally agree. I had this movie for years before I watched it. I'm a big Gena Rowlands, so I'll see anything with her, but often her films aren't deserving of her talent. Once I finally watched it, I was amazed at how much I cared about the characters. Juliette Lewis and Uma Thurman, never my favorite actresses, were superb. And the soundtrack rocked as well!

I wonder if the fact that this was a cable movie may have made it better, because the director and cast weren't expected to pander to the box office.

[–] WriterDave 16 years ago

I totally agree. This was a great little film. Maybe because it was a TV movie (HBO--but still a TV movie nonetheless) is why many people dismiss it. A lot of people think I'm joking when I recommend it. It really is a powerful character study and wonderfully acted by the cast and well directed by Mira Nair (a director who is often under appreciated). As someone who grew up in New Jersey in the 1980's, I think Nair brilliantly captured the time and place.

D. H. Schleicher
Author of The Thief Maker
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com

[–] Frozilla_Firefox 16 years ago

I agree..This film is wonderful..Its painful to watch sometimes because Uma accurately portrays that "desperate for love" type of girl so well. I have a friend like that..She doesn't see things too clearly when it comes to men, so this movie hit home for me. I think it deserves a higher rating and i wish more people, especially women, would see this film. Its one of my favourites.

[–] Giskdan 16 years ago

The horrible dvd cover they made for it, is one of the reasons why this great little film is overlooked. It make it look like another sily chick-flick, not the superb drama film it is.

I love this movie.

[–] Frozilla_Firefox 16 years ago

That's true. I own the VHS copy and it did make it look like some silly chick flick.

[–] romeolima47 16 years ago

Such a compelling movie, I've watched it ten times or more. I think every human alive has either felt the pain or insecurity, or both, displayed by Debby Miller. She touch me.

I’m a straight guy. It was hard for me to know what to say to a girl. I was so self-conscious about my zit infested derma, that I practiced my phone skills. I got good at it. Though the zits are history, I still give good phone.

I wanted to be Debby’s friend. I wanted to hold her hand, and tell her everything was going to be just fine.

EXTREMELY well written and directed.

[–] Frozilla_Firefox 16 years ago

I've watched it a bunch of times too. It's in my top 10 of favourite movies.You are so right. Alot of us have felt those insecurities. Women and men. I've certainly been there. Too bad more people don't know about this film..I think it's Uma Thurman's best role. It really hits home.