The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008)

Tells the story of Fisher Willow, the disliked 1920s Memphis débutante daughter of a plantation owner with a distaste for narrow-minded people and a penchant for shocking and insulting ... See full summary »

Director:

Jodie Markell

Writer:

Tennessee Williams (screenplay)

Stars:

Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Evans, Will Patton

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bryce Dallas Howard	...	Fisher
Chris Evans	...	Jimmy
Will Patton	...	Mr. Dobyne
Ann-Margret	...	Cornelia
Mamie Gummer	...	Julie
Jessica Collins	...	Vinnie
Ellen Burstyn	...	Addie
Peter Gerety	...	Mr. Van Hooven
Marin Ireland	...	Esmeralda
Zoe Perry	...	Mathilde
Barbara Garrick	...	Mrs. Dobyne
Zach Grenier	...	Mr. Fenstermaker
Laila Robins	...	Mrs. Fenstermaker
Susan Blommaert	...	Addie's Nurse
Carol Sutton	...	Susie

Storyline

Tells the story of Fisher Willow, the disliked 1920s Memphis débutante daughter of a plantation owner with a distaste for narrow-minded people and a penchant for shocking and insulting those around her. After returning from studies overseas, Fisher falls in love with Jimmy, the down-and-out son of an alcoholic father and an insane mother who works at a store on her family's plantation. She tries to pass him off as an upper-class suitor to appease the spinster aunt who controls her family's fortune, but when she loses a diamond, it places their tenuous relationship in further jeopardy.

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Plot Keywords:

love | diamond | plantation | accusation | alcoholic | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and drug content

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Mädchen mit dem Diamantohrring

Filming Locations:

Alexandria, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$22,872 (USA) (1 January 2010)

Gross:

$119,382 (USA) (5 February 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constellation Entertainment, Grand Army Entertainment, Teardrop Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"A Ring to the Name of Rosie"
Written by George M. Cohan
Performed by Dan Levinson and his Canary Cottage Dance Orchestra
Produced by Joe Mulherin
By Arrangement with George M. Cohan Music Publishing Co.

User Reviews

"Diamond" is a Real Gem

"The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond," is a real gem but it is not for everyone. If you are not a big Tennessee Williams fan, you probably will not like it. If you are unfamiliar with Tennessee Williams, then you are better off watching "A Streetcar Named Desire," or "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

Admittedly, this is not one of Williams' best stories. The reason the film works so well is the acting and directing.

I had seen Bryce Dallas Howard in a few other films but they did not prepare me for this absolutely thrilling performance. This is not just the best performance of the year but it is the best performance in the past several years. She brings the character of Fisher Willow to life the way that Vivian Leigh did for Blanche DuBois. In many ways Fisher Willow is like a young version of Blanche.

Fisher is a typical Williams' heroine. She initially comes off as a selfish, self centered, Southern Belle but underneath she is much more fragile than anyone suspects. Bryce Dallas Howard is able to bring this out with such complexity and nuance that we can sympathize with a character that we should not care about so much. Even in her best moments she seems as though she could shatter at any moment.

This performance alone is enough reason to see this film.

The story follows the familiar themes covered in other Tennessee Williams stories: loneliness, loss of wealth, fall from grace, and battling interior demons. The teardrop diamond could represent the wealth and status her family once had. It is not just a $5000 jewel. It is a symbol of what her family once was and what was once the old South.

Jodie Markell does an impressive job directing. Her style is old school. She knows when to let the camera linger and when to let the scenes play out. The film does not seem rushed and it never drags. The cinematography is gorgeous with burnished orange dominating the color palette.

"The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond," may not be one of the four best movies made from a Tennessee Williams story but it is not far behind. This is mandatory viewing for any fan of Tennessee Williams.