A Thousand Acres (1997) 5.9
"King Lear" set on a farm in Iowa. Director:Jocelyn Moorhouse |
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A Thousand Acres (1997) 5.9
"King Lear" set on a farm in Iowa. Director:Jocelyn Moorhouse |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Michelle Pfeiffer | ... | ||
| Jessica Lange | ... | ||
| Jason Robards | ... |
Larry Cook
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| Jennifer Jason Leigh | ... |
Caroline Cook
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| Colin Firth | ... |
Jess Clark
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| Keith Carradine | ... |
Ty Smith
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| Kevin Anderson | ... |
Peter Lewis
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| Pat Hingle | ... |
Harold Clark
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| John Carroll Lynch | ... |
Ken LaSalle
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Anne Pitoniak | ... |
Mary Livingstone
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| Vyto Ruginis | ... |
Charles Carter
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| Michelle Williams | ... |
Pammy
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| Elisabeth Moss | ... |
Linda
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| Ray Toler | ... |
Marv Carson
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| Kenneth Tigar | ... |
Doctor
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A THOUSAND ACRES is a drama about an American family who meets with tragedy on their land. It is the story of a father, his daughters, and their husbands, and their passion to subdue the history of their land and its stories. Written by Jason Englisbe <zzenglisbej@winthrop.edu>
Having watched this film years ago, it never faded from my memory. I always thought this was the finest performance by Michelle Pfeiffer that I've seen. But, I am astounded by the number of negative reviews that this film has received. After seeing it once more today, I still think it is powerful, moving and couldn't care less if it is "based loosely on King Lear".
I now realize that this is the greatest performance by Jessica Lange that I've ever seen - and she has had accolades for much shallower efforts.
A Thousand Acres is complex, human, vibrant and immensely moving, but surely doesn't present either of the primary female leads with any touch of glamour or "sexiness". I don't think this is well received in these times.
Perhaps one reason for this film's underwhelming response lies in the fact that the writer (Jane Smiley(, screenplay (Laura Jones), and director (Jocelhyn Moorehouse) are all women. I know that, in my younger days, I wouldn't have read a book written by a woman. I didn't focus on this fact until years later.
If you haven't seen this movie or gave it a chance in the past, try watching it anew. Maybe you are ready for it.