Passion Fish

Stars: Mary McDonnell (Grand Canyon, Sneakers, Dances With Wolves), Alfre Woodard (Grand Canyon, Mandela), David Straitharn (Lost in Yonkers, Sneakers, Eight Men Out). Novelist turned filmmaker John Sayles (Return of the Secaucus Seven, Eight Men Out, City of Hope) departs from his ensemble approach to deliver the most character-driven story he's done since 1983's Lianna. Nominated for Best Screenplay, Passion Fish features Best Actress nominee Mary McDonnell in the juicy role of May-Alice Culhane, who escaped the Louisiana bayous and sassafras tea Southern bellehood to become a TV soap star. After an accident paralyses her from the waist down, the wheelchair-bound May-Alice returns to her empty family home in Louisiana, and hires a succession of nursemaids, some of whom she can stand, and all of them returning the sentiments double. Enter Chantelle (Alfre Woodard), a quiet but determined woman who plays it straight up with May-Alice (May-Alice: "They told you I was a bitch, didn't they?" Chantelle: "On wheels."). Credit goes to Sayles for the fine writing needed to keep this 135-minute "small" film afloat, as well as to the excellent performances from McDonnell and Woodard. As the film progresses and May-Alice learns that Chantelle has problems of her own, Passion Fish evolves into a touching story about female bonding. The love interests (male, for a change) are well-handled by David Straitharn and Vondie Curtis-Hall. Although it only made $2.4 million at the boxoffice, this lovely film with two strong female roles deserves a much wider audience on video. Note: Angela Bassett, currently enjoying star status for her outstanding performance as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Go With It? has a minor role here. Audience: Most audiences will appreciate this genuine sleeper.