I don't really know where to go with this film, as it was easily one of the most depressing films I've ever seen.
Pros: Diane Keaton's Theresa Dunn is great; she may not be a completely admirable character but she's realistic, both caring and incredibly foolish and her decisions prove tragic. I also adored the gritty, realistic nature of the film. And it shows a realistic portrayal of deaf students as well as the life of average folk. There is also a sex-scene involving a condom, something that is rarely shown on screen, so that was groundbreaking in itself.
Cons: I don't like any of the male characters. Even good-natured social worker, James (William Atherton) is a bit of a creep and he creates a story to stir sympathy in Theresa, leading her to attempt to sleep with him. Even worse is Richard Gere's Tony, who is a local drug dealer and wants Theresa available whenever he needs to scratch an itch. Theresa's father (Richard Kiley) is a judgmental Catholic who deeply judges his daughter, and the worst one is the one at the end, who stabs Theresa when he fails to perform. Another issue I had was I thought Katherine (Tuesday Weld) was Theresa's sister, though her sister is actually someone else, so that was also confusing. Or at least I think that's the case, as the timeline is a bit wonky as there is mention of abortions but also of grandchildren. Maybe Theresa has two sisters, so that part should have been cleared.
Recommend: Honestly, probably not, it was a tough viewing.
Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Probably the best reference is when Diane Keaton is reading The Godfather, and Tony mentions that he's seen the film and Al Pacino is great and Diane would know, considering she was married to him after all.
-LeVar Burton is great in his small role as the brother of one of Theresa's students.
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