A Cooler Climate (22 August 1999)
directed by Susan Seidelman
starring Sally Field, Judy Davis, Winston Rekert, Jerry Wasserman, Carly Pope
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MPAA rating: Studio: Paramount Pictures, Showtime Networks Script: Marsha Norman Based on the book by: Zena Collier Music: Patrick Williams Running time: 99 minutes Suggested retail price: $52.00 (US) Tags: domestic servants; drugs; Family Crisis; novel adaptation; oceans; Romance; sculpture; wealth Tactical strength: [6/10]
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for some sexuality and language
Iris Prue (Sally Field) gets bored of her 26-year marriage and has an affair with a younger man. Although the affair doesn't last, it prompts a divorce where Iris refuses to accept any division of property or alimony payments. Desperate and homeless, Iris takes a job as a domestic servant in a costal town of the rich and irregular. The locals call Iris's boss, Paula Tanner (Judy Davis), the meanest woman in town and frequently give Iris their sympathy. Paula also has a bad marriage. Her husband, Leo (Jerry Wasserman), works as an entertainment lawyer and has regular affairs with young actresses. Paula also has a nineteen-year-old daughter, Beth (Carly Pope), who drinks, takes drugs, and a very active sex life.
Everyone starts out playing a stereotype: Iris the desperate woman who begs to keep her job; Paula the impossible-to-please rich snob; and Beth the spoiled, rebellious teenage daughter. Iris finally decides that she doesn't have to tolerate abuse and starts to stand up for herself. Iris's new attitude catalyzes changes in both Paula and Beth. (The men only function as part of the background and don't experience any significant character changes.) Iris does develop a relationship with a local sculpter, Jack (Winston Rekert), and takes computer classes so she doesn't have to work as a domestic servant for the rest of her life.
A Cooler Climate promotes the standard American dream: with the right combination of attitude, determination, and skill you can achieve just about anything. Too bad so many of the characters had to explore immoral options before coming about. This moderately paced movie keeps you interested in the characters but never really gets very exciting. If you editied out the scenes with naked men's butts, you would have a movie suitable for the Hallmark channel and it's trademark "warm and fuzzy" feeling.
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