- ISBN13: 9780767817776
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
TO DIE FOR (DVD/P&S/WS 1.85/DD5.1/DSS/ENG&FR-DUB&SIf anyone ever doubts whether Nicole Kidman is a good actress, they should immediately be required to watch this outrageously wicked comedy from 1995, for which Kidman deservedly won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Leading Role. While director Gus Van Sant handles the fact-based satire with razor-sharp precision, Kidman delivers a deliciously devious performance as Suzanne Stone, a small-town New Hampshire housewife who fancies herself the next Barbara Walters, Jane Pauley, Diane Sawyer, and Maria Shriver all rolled up into one meticulously coiffed package. So determined is she to have a successful career on TV that she’ll stop at nothing–even the calculated murder of her husband (Matt Dillon)–to get the attention she feels entitled to. To carry out her scheme she recruits some unwitting local teenagers including one boy (Joaquin Phoenix, matching Kidman’s excellence) whose infatuation with Suzanne leads to sexual escapades and predictably troublesome consequences. It’s a satirical comedy in Van Sant’s capable hands, but it’s so close to tabloid reality that the film never seems implausible–which only gives it a funnier, more blood-chilling quality of humor. Featuring Illeanna Douglas, George Segal, and Seinfeld alumnus Wayne Knight in memorable supporting roles, this is one of the best comedies of the ’90s–especially if you prefer comedies with a decidedly darker edge. –Jeff Shannon
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May 1, 2010
#1
This film really misses its mark. Billed as a black comedy, it fails to deliver any satirical bite whatsoever. Suzanne Stone’s frequent video segments where she speaks directly to the camera and the flashforwards to some sort of Jerry Springer-like show are painful to watch. Yeah, Nicole Kidman is extremely sexy (duh), but it’s not nearly enough to overcome her marginal acting, the clumsy dialog and the amateurish direction.
See this movie for all the humor of “Dying Young” coupled with the social commentary of a SpongeBob episode.
May 1, 2010
#2
but definately not the best or even above average. why does kidman have to inhale rapidly like that after she finishes a sentence (referring her private video segments)? isn’t she a trained actress that has learned breath control? i understand she wanted to protray a psycho-ditz, but… anyway, i watched it to the end, i guess mostly because it was based on a true story.
May 1, 2010
#3
I’ve seen it on VHS, I’d heard that it was rated highly, can’t think of anything good to say about it. I didn’t like ANY of the characters, maybe they all needed to be knocked off,not just Nicole Kidman’s news woman. Thoroughly unpleasant movie, Nicole Kidman is better in The Peacemaker with George Clooney, Joaquin Phoenix is better in Gladiator, save your money don’t get this one.
May 1, 2010
#4
As a big fan of Nicole, I was pretty disgusted with this movie. It was so corny in dialogue and content I had a hard time staying interested, but did because it was so bad, I had to see what happened. And that affair with her student was so dusgusting! The ending was hardly entertaining, and I wanted my $ back at the theatre, which I got!
May 1, 2010
#5
This movie is not bad but it’s not that great either. I always like Nicole Kidman, with or without Tom Cruise. But what I really like about this movie is Joaquin Phoenix’ acting. Call me at 156-38-3461.