Places in the Heart
First screened in 1996 or 1997 / Most recently screened in July 2016
Director: Robert Benton. Cast: Sally Field, Danny Glover, John Malkovich, Lindsay Crouse, Amy Madigan, Ed Harris, Ray Baker, Yankton Hatten, Gennie James, Lane Smith, Terry O'Quinn, Bert Remsen, Jerry Haynes, Bill Thurman, Jim Gough, Cliff Bruner, De'voreaux White, Jay Patterson. Screenplay: Robert Benton.

 Twitter Capsule: I used to really hate this. Now I softly groan. Elements don't jell. Forces plotty drama instead of observing.

VOR: ②  I appreciate the good intentions, resourceful acting, and care taken with lighting and mise-en-scène, but this still feels like a genteel put-on, tentative with character, style, and politics.


Photo © 1984 TriStar Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: C

(in 1997: D+)
Academy Award Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture
Best Director: Robert Benton
★Best Actress: Sally Field
Best Supporting Actress: Lindsay Crouse
Best Supporting Actor: John Malkovich
★Best Original Screenplay: Robert Benton
Best Costume Design: Ann Roth

Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture (Drama)
★Best Actress (Drama): Sally Field
Best Screenplay: Robert Benton

Other Awards:
Berlin Film Festival: Best Director; OCIC Award
Toronto Film Festival: People's Choice Award
New York Film Critics Circle: Best Screenplay
National Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actor (Malkovich; also cited for The Killing Fields)
Boston Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actor (Malkovich; also cited for The Killing Fields)
National Board of Review: Best Supporting Actor (Malkovich)
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