In this charming and moving mix of memoir and movie appreciation, film critic Michael Koresky (Terence Davies) and his mother, Leslie, decide to meet monthly to rewatch and discuss films from the 1980s with strong women in leading roles. Ten films: one for each year of the decade. Each film brings up memories from their lives.
Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean reminds Koresky of coming out and how the lack of gay characters in films from his youth made him feel invisible. "For me, movies were an escape, not a mirror," he writes. Both watch Mommie Dearest as if it were a comedy, but their conversation turns more serious when they discuss how the film hobbled Faye Dunaway's career (and how female stars are often counted out after one flop while male stars are not). And Leslie remembers childhood abuse from her mother. Terms of Endearment brings back memories of Koresky's father's early onset dementia and how the family dealt with their grief over his early death.
Not all the movies bring up traumatic memories. The Jane Fonda-produced comedy 9 to 5 brings back anecdotes of Leslie rejoining the workforce. It's also fascinating to discover that despite the film's feminist leanings, screenwriter Patricia Resnick was all but pushed out of the production process once the film's male director was hired. Other films include The Color Purple, Aliens, Baby Boom, Country, Crossing Delancey and The Fabulous Baker Boys.
Films of Endearment is an empowering, surprising and unforgettable tribute to strong women in films--and in the audience. --Kevin Howell, independent reviewer and marketing consultant