A Dangerous Woman (1993)

Martha Horgan, a naive woman with an intellectual impairment who lives with her aunt Frances in a small town, is known for always telling the truth. She works at a dry cleaner, where her ... See full summary »

Director:

Stephen Gyllenhaal

Writers:

Mary McGarry Morris (novel), Naomi Foner (screenplay)

Stars:

Laurie Metcalf, Debra Winger, Barbara Hershey

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laurie Metcalf	...	Anita Bell
Debra Winger	...	Martha Horgan
Barbara Hershey	...	Frances Beechum
John Terry	...	Steve Bell
Maggie Gyllenhaal	...	Patsy Bell
Jake Gyllenhaal	...	Edward (as Jacob Gyllenhaal)
Myles Sheridan	...	Paul
Chloe Webb	...	Birdie
Richard Riehle	...	John
Viveka Davis	...	Mercy
Gabriel Byrne	...	Mackey
Paul Dooley	...	Tupperware Salesman
David Strathairn	...	Getso
Brad Blaisdell	...	Wesley
Warren Munson	...	Gately

Storyline

Martha Horgan, a naive woman with an intellectual impairment who lives with her aunt Frances in a small town, is known for always telling the truth. She works at a dry cleaner, where her compulsive truth-telling leads her to report to the boss that another employee has been stealing from the cash register. The thief, in turn, accuses Martha, and she loses her job. In the mean time, a mysterious stranger named Mackey appears at Martha's residence after learning that Aunt Frances needs her porch repaired. Mackey is hired and becomes intimately involved with Martha... which only leads to tragedy.

---

Plot Keywords:

masturbation | mental retardation | independent film | based on novel

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some graphic sexuality, strong language and a scene of violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 December 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Uma Mulher Perigosa

Box Office

Gross:

$1,497,222 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amblin Entertainment, Gramercy Pictures (I), Island World

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Glenn Close was the original casting decision to play Debra Winger's aunt, while Jeff Bridges and Jason Patric were both considered for the male lead.

---

Quotes

Mackey: If there's a God out there he's gotta be laughing.

---

Connections

References Lethal Weapon (1987)

User Reviews

Offbeat, provocative drama...

Debra Winger at her most mercurial, portraying a mentally-challenged woman who becomes involved in a murder. This adaptation of Mary McGarry Morris' novel becomes prime material for director-extraordinare Stephen Gyllenhaal, an intense filmmaker who was creating quite a resume for himself in the mid-1990s before eventually turning to TV programs (our loss). This script has a messy structure and is hurt by an overload of hot-headed supporting characters, but Gyllenhaal is very sensitive to his protagonist, and magnetic Winger does remarkable, Oscar-worthy work. Incredible cast also includes Barbara Hershey, Gabriel Byrne, Chloe Webb, and Laurie Metcalf. Perfect viewing for audiences interested in something unusual and left of center. **1/2 from ****