Burt’s recently back in NYC from London where he’d made a film. They both had difficult childhoods in different ways. They start dating and he wines and dines her in a way that thrills and impresses her. The relationship is going along, not swimmingly, because she refused to have sex with him and he was insanely jealous, but the relationship is moving along. Most of her friends were getting married so she expected they would do so also. They start house hunting and ring hunting and boat hunting and doing everything in the world, but getting married. Her grandmother puts a question in her mind, and before she can ask him if he’s married, he gets a tip that she knows and tells her that he’s married, but getting a divorce. I’m guessing we all know where this is going. Of course he hadn’t filed for divorce as he’d told Linda, but he proffered some fake divorce papers (he is a lawyer) and continued to string her along. Eventually his wife called Linda and told her that she had no plans of ever granting Burt a divorce. Linda believed her and decided to break up with Burt. Burt is one of those “If I can’t have her nobody can.” Chaos ensues.
I loved the way the film was made. The pacing was wonderful; the characterization, enlightening and it felt complete. The movie made its point without being judgemental; without taking sides. I would love to see it again. I originally tuned in based on the description in the channel guide which indicated that the guy’s love caused him to commit a crime. I was looking for some light entertainment, along the lines of City Confidential. What I got was a very different, deeper look at the human condition. Bravissimo!!!
I’ve been a fan of Fisher Stevens for years. He was featured in an ensemble drama called Key West that used to air in the early 90s and he was dating Michelle Pfeiffer. My darling friend Ron and I always talked about that “something” that he had. When I saw him onstage during the Oscar ceremony accepting an award for The Cove it pleased me. I like his eye.
Key West is also where I discovered the delicious Jennifer Tilly.
The Way I See It!