Rambling Rose (1991)

Surprisingly incoherent and boring

hyped garbage

Don't listen to the negative reviews

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

I first watched this in the early 90's several times. I was profoundly impressed and affected by the writing and acting in several scenes with Diane Ladd. I wont give it away, but what she said and how she said it to Robert Duvall (her husband) and the Dr. was profound feminism and humanism. And his loyalty and devotion to his wife makes him do the right thing. Should be shown in classes about sexism and projection. Otherwise, generally a good film and fresh. Glad to see it available to buy on Itunes. A must see for the reasons I bring up. I am not sure what I said is a spoiler, so just in case, I said so to be safe.

Rambling Rose certainly has its individual moments. Rose unintentionally corrupting the two Hillyer men. Dern and Duvall's stellar performances. The point it makes about men controlling women. Unfortunately, Rose is an incredibly vexing character, and not is the way the movie intends. Are we supposed to be sad for her? Love her? The movie seems to want that, but I don't. Ultimately, it's a boring, sappy and pointless period drama.

Robert Duvall was splendid in this movie. I do not want to ruin it for people watching, so I can not tell you much but his acting was great as well as Laura Dern. What a dynamic and thought provocative movie with so many interesting twists that are unexpected. The wife was really good too. The morals of it, the conflicts, the family. This movie had it all, love, conflict, compassion, passion and all great acting too! I would imagine if this movie is a book I should read it actually. The nuances were subtle and well done, it did address some touchy topics as well. The young boy actor really was well cast too. I guess all in all, the casting was super, the dialog was well done and the way they captured the south was excellent as well.

This film was delightful. Laura Dern puts in the best performance I've seen here. Her portrayal of Rose was perfect. Her mixing of sexiness with innocence came off as totally real. Rose was a girl with a deeply troubled past, and as a result, cannot separate sex from her understanding of, and quest for, love. Robert Duvall is always worth watching and his role here is no exception. The child actors were all adequate. Direction and photography gave the scenes a very restrained sunlit memory sort of quality. I'm not sure if the framing device in the film was even necessary, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the fact that this film was set in the Deep South, but did not focus on race. Good movie. Grade: A