French Exit

This film was so close to being a masterpiece. Pfeiffer is absolutely incredible. There are some lines she delivers that would have become filmmaking history had the whole thing not been burdened by the strange bit of nonsensical and irrelevant stuff that happens in the middle or had the filmmaker effectively woven it in with the rest of the story. The character study of Francis and her son (Hedges is also excellent) is one of the most thoughtful, quirky family dramas I have seen in a long time, and the themes of money and satisfaction are so poignant. There is a strange detour suddenly introduced toward the 1/2 to 3/4 mark that comes out of nowhere, makes no sense, was not thoughtful nor plotted right, and completely ruins the otherwise earnest, emotional, neurotic, and heartfelt conflict at the center of the story. This pretentious part doesn't take up a huge portion of the film, though, and the bookends of the central conflict are really worth watching, and Pfeiffer's performance very nearly makes up for the flaws in the script. So close to having a critical hit here. Recut it without the middle, stupid stuff, give the main character a real ending that shows character development, and it'd be Oscar material. This film is also a good lesson for aspiring filmmakers—you can make incredible films without trying to be intentionally out there and mysterious and quirky. The human experience has enough to mine.

What a bad, bad nonsensical movie! Michelle Pfeiffer should be ashamed. This played like a weird Woody Allen film, with disjointed characters, no real plot or story line and zero real ending. The whole thing was a colossal waste of time and money. They should really give a refund for this. I dare say this is the worst movie I've ever seen, as it ranks right up there with "Carwash" from the 70's.

Ouch... That was just awful! If you enjoy long slow pointless pitiful sad senseless drama this is for you!! I felt mad when it ended (that I had watched it!!)