A near-textbook example of a highly praised novel that probably shouldn't have been filmed, this study of a family under pressure has all the right intentions but never overcomes the essential problem of showing what's going on inside people's heads.
Sharp-tongued, irreverent Alice (Sigourney Weaver) would be a hit in SoHo, but in Prairie Center, WI, she's merely tolerated; conspicuous intelligence and an ironic sense of humor don't play well with her unimaginative neighbors. Alice's husband (David Straithairn) is passionately devoted to
farming (though not very successful at it), but Alice doesn't share his enthusiasm. Between caring for two small children and wor...
Released:
1999
Rated:
R
Length:
127 mins