I watched this film again recently to see if it would give me the same impression it gave me as a teenager. I saw this movie with a group of friends when it first came out. We didn't know what to expect, but when we all came out of the theater I noticed everyone looked a bit dazed. I felt kind of numb. The ending still packs a big punch, still one of harshest and abrupt I've ever seen. I have a tendency to like happy endings, but this is still a good, well-acted movie. Keaton is great in this, and she draws you in to caring about the character, Theresa Dunn. She is a shy, caring person who teaches deaf children; unfortunately, she also has a sex addiction. Weld (Katherine) gives her best performance as the older sister who leans on and looks up to her younger sister, as her "rock of Gibraltar." In the end, the sisters reverse roles, and it is Theresa who needs help. I feel the message of this movie is to not confuse women's liberation (or any liberation) with promiscuity and addiction, which is actual slavery. The supporting cast is excellent, with both Richard Gere and Tom Berenger giving gritty performances early on in their careers.
Review of Looking for Mr. Goodbar
