1992 - PASSION FISH.very good character study but overlong

A soap opera actress who has become a paraplegic after a car accident returns to her childhood home in Louisiana for therapy.  Angry about her situation she slowly bonds with her caregiver who is confronting some personal issues of her own.  Passion Fish is a good drama that avoids a lot of feel good sentimentality.  This situation is interesting enough thanks to Sayles skilled writing and doesn't need any Hollywood type "goosing up" with it's story.

The actors Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodard  give excellent performances and the supporting cast that Sayles has assembled also have their very strong moments.  Sayles strength as a filmmaker was always in creating believable characters that populate his films.

The biggest problem with Passion Fish is it's length.   The film runs over two hours and could have used a little pruning.  Sayles is clearly in love with his cast and the scenes that help flesh out his characters but  an awful lot of the film does have a tendency to meander at times.

Still a film that features two strong believable actresses working through their personal problems in a realistic way is certainly worth  a look at the very least.  The film has nice on location photography and as usual with John Sayles he takes an editing credit as well.

The screenplay is by John Sayles, the running time is 135 minutes.