Boxing Helena (1993)

A surgeon becomes obsessed with the seductive woman he once had an affair with. Refusing to accept that she has moved on, he amputates her limbs and holds her captive in his mansion.

Director:

Jennifer Chambers Lynch

Writers:

Philippe Caland (story), Jennifer Chambers Lynch (screenplay)

Stars:

Julian Sands, Sherilyn Fenn, Bill Paxton

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julian Sands	...	Dr. Nick Cavanaugh
Sherilyn Fenn	...	Helena
Bill Paxton	...	Ray O'Malley
Kurtwood Smith	...	Dr. Alan Harrison
Art Garfunkel	...	Dr. Lawrence Augustine
Betsy Clark	...	Anne Garrett
Nicolette Scorsese	...	Fantasy Lover / Nurse
Meg Register	...	Marion Cavanaugh
Bryan Smith	...	Russell
Marla Levine	...	Patricia
Kim Lentz	...	Nurse Diane
Lloyd T. Williams	...	Sam the Clerk
Carl Mazzocone Sr.	...	Pastor
Erik Shoaff	...	Uncle Charlie
Lisa Oz	...	Flower Shop Girl

Storyline

A top surgeon is besotted with a beautiful woman who once ditched him. Unable to come to terms with life without her, he tries to convince her that they need each other. She has other ideas, but an horrific accident leaves her at his mercy. The plot is bizarre and perhaps sick at times, ending abruptly and with a twist.

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Plot Keywords:

huis clos | sexual abuse | dismemberment | nudity | kidnapper kidnapped relationship | 

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Taglines:

A deep, dark obsession that bares a woman's body and a man's soul.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R on appeal for two scenes of strong sexuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 September 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dobozba zárt szerelem

Filming Locations:

822 Lullwater Road, Druid Hills, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$1,796,389 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mainline Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in Atlanta attorney Ed Garland's 15,000 square foot mansion. The house also was used for portions of Driving Miss Daisy.

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Goofs

The main character has an English accent, even though neither of his parents (both of whom are heard speaking) do, the story takes place in America, and it is implied that he grew up there as well.

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Quotes

Doctor Nick Cavanaugh: If you were a real woman, you'd lie to me about our sex.

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Connections

Referenced in Dharma & Greg: Boxing Dharma (2000)

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Soundtracks

"O MIO BABBINO CARO"
Performed by Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra
Written by Giacomo Puccini
Courtesy of Sony Classical
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

Boxing Controversy...

Boxing Helena is a highly controversial film about a man's sexual obsession.

Kim Basinger was initially offered to act as Helena, but she declined because she believed it was degrading to women. However, we should decide for ourselves what our own opinions are.

It appears to be more degrading to men. Nick is obsessive, Ray is the typical slob, the other men are more or less submissive or weak. Aside from the relatively poor cinematography, the film conveys a side of life that many film makers seek to avoid, and for this it should be given credit.