The Waterdance (1992)
Elizabeth Peña, Eric Stoltz, Grace Zabriskie
This 1992 drama written by Neal Jimenez and codirected by him and Michael Steinberg (the two worked together on the underrated Bodies, Rest, and Motion) stars Eric Stoltz as a successful novelist who becomes paraplegic following a hiking accident. Jimenez, who personally lives with the same c... (read more) This 1992 drama written by Neal Jimenez and codirected by him and Michael Steinberg (the two worked together on the underrated Bodies, Rest, and Motion) stars Eric Stoltz as a successful novelist who becomes paraplegic following a hiking accident. Jimenez, who personally lives with the same condition, gives us an insider's point-of-view on the first terrible days, weeks, and months of adjusting to paralysis, and its effect upon relationships, work, and sex. But the film is also about other kinds of unexpected turns in a life, in this case Stoltz's immersion in an instant community of fellow paraplegics, as well as his reevaluation of an affair with a married editor (Helen Hunt). Stoltz is in great company: besides Hunt's thoughtful, sensual presence, the cast includes Wesley Snipes as another patient, Elizabeth Peña as a sympathetic nurse, and William Forsythe (Palookaville, Raising Arizona) in an outstanding performance that encourages one to reconsider his often one-dimensional career. Despite the bleak subject, The Waterdance is an enormously entertaining and often funny movie that keeps a lid on pity and explores the rediscovery of life, self-respect, and honesty following a disaster. --Tom Keogh
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R, 106 min.
Directed by:
Elizabeth Peña,
Eric Stoltz,
Grace Zabriskie,
Helen Hunt,
Michael Steinberg,
Neal Jimenez,
Neil Jimenez,
Wesley Snipes,
William Forsythe
Release Date: May 13, 1992
DVD Release Date: Dec 18, 2001
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This is a movie I need to see again. A great film about people's transformation and finding themselves. And how other people can be your inspiration and guiding light.
I would say this is Wesley Snipes' best performance. Well, maybe after Mo' Better... (read more) This is a movie I need to see again. A great film about people's transformation and finding themselves. And how other people can be your inspiration and guiding light.
I would say this is Wesley Snipes' best performance. Well, maybe after Mo' Better Blues.
One of my favorite films of '92, along with American Me. Based on true story of writer's experience as a mid-life paraplegic adapting to his sudden condition. Punctuated by superb performances from Stoltz, William Forsythe (who was also in American... (read more) One of my favorite films of '92, along with American Me. Based on true story of writer's experience as a mid-life paraplegic adapting to his sudden condition. Punctuated by superb performances from Stoltz, William Forsythe (who was also in American Me that year), and Wesley Snipes, demonstrating real acting chops before he became an action hero.
Independent film at it's best. Based on the true story of writer and co-director Neil Jimenez, "The waterdance" follows his time in a rehabilitation facility after a hiking accident that left him paralyzed. The film is tough and sharp, refusing to pa... (read more) Independent film at it's best. Based on the true story of writer and co-director Neil Jimenez, "The waterdance" follows his time in a rehabilitation facility after a hiking accident that left him paralyzed. The film is tough and sharp, refusing to pander or soft sell the catastrophic life changes such an event demands. A completely character based film, there is virtually no momentum or moments of epiphany, yet the effect is both dramatic and gripping. The paralyzed writer, called "Joel Garcia" in the film is forced to share a ward with a racist biker, (William Forsythe, in what should have been a star making performance), and an African-American man full of transparent bravado. The story is how these proud men come to terms with both their injuries and each other. Joel is also involved in a complicated relationship with a married woman, a role played with exquisite nuance by Helen Hunt. The love scene between the stricken writer and the married woman is one of the most honest moments you'll see in a movie. Considered a "small" movie on it's release, (No stunt drivers or explosive experts on the payroll), it nevertheless feels "big". Eric Stoltz as "Joel" has never been better.
Surprisingly good. Should have been telly movie territory but thanks to a good script and some terrific performances from Eric Stoltz and Helen Hunt it's quite a well pitched, touching drama.
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