By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Starring: Aidan Quinn | Kevin Bacon | Kyra Sedgwick
Country: canada
Year: 2004
Running time: 110
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367587/combined
Bruce says: “As demonstrated by the sensational performances of Ali Sheedy, Patricia Clarkson and Radha Mitchell in HIGH ART followed by Frances McDormand’s ultra-hip, oversexed mom in LAUREL CANYON, Lisa Cholodenko has established herself as a director who pushes women to their acting limits. In CAVEDWELLER the performances of the women further that notion. This time Cholodenko works her magic on Aidan Quinn, too. He plays Clint Windsor, an abusive husband who has lost every vestige of charm as he lies on his deathbed tended to dutifully by his wife, Delia (Kyra Sedgwick). The twist is that his wife left him (and their two young daughters) years ago, running off with a renowned rock musician (Kevin Bacon) who treated her decently by comparison and gave her a chance to sing in the big leagues.
“CAVEDWELLER is about Delia’s journey back to her roots after a life on the road and another bad relationship, this time with a womanizer. She returns with her ten year old daughter Cissy (Regan Arnold) whose father was the rock musician, recently killed in an automobile accident. Cissy is confused as to why she must leave L.A., the only home she has ever known, to end up in rural Georgia. The two young daughters Delia left behind are teenagers now and are living with their paternal grandmother (Jackie Burroughs) who has taken them away from their boozing abusive father. It is hardly a surprise that Delia is not readily accepted upon her return, especially since she wants her daughters back. The lion’s share of the drama centers on how she slowly gains approval from each of those who initially reject her when she moves back to Georgia from L.A.
“Sedgwick underplays her scenes and that is what lifts the film above the ordinary storyline. Parts of the film reminded me of PERSONAL VELOCITY where Sedgwick also played the victim of an abusive husband. Regan Arnold (BLUE CAR) is terrific as the ten year old who has been transplanted to Georgia; most of the others shine as well.
“CAVEDWELLER is based on a portion of the novel by Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard Out of Carolina. 3.5 cats”