The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, September 05, 1997, Page 17, Image 17
Film shows love By Jeff Randall Film Critic As a filmmaker in the 1970s, John Cassavetes churned out a catalog of highly personal, character-driven films. But as “She’s So Lovely” demonstrates, he left behind some unmade films with just as much of an emotional wallop. The script for this film was written by Cassavetes more than a decade ago. When he died, it appeared that the film might never be made. But Sean Penn, an heir apparent to Cassavetes’ crown, and Nick Cassavetes, the renegade director’s son, wouldn’t let that happen. It’s a good thing they didn’t. “She’s So Lovely” is - at its sim plest - an on-screen romance that rolls with the best of ‘em. But this film twists the love story typical of Hollywood cin ema and turns it into an examination of devotion, dependency and insanity - in other words, all the elements of love that make it such a rare and occasional ly troubling occurrence. Penn and his real-life wife, Robin Wright Penn, co-star as Eddie and Maureen, a married couple with an unusual marital setup. It seems that Eddie often wanders off for days, leaving his pregnant wife behind and wondering where he is. The film opens with Maureen on ---u c_rjj' «n.:u_ Miivuivi jviuvu iui i^uuiv. tt iiiiv wau ing for him to return, she is assaulted by a surly neighbor (James Gandolfoni). And by the time she finds Eddie, she has pretty much put the incident behind her. But Eddie refuses to believe Maureen’s excuses for her bruises and demands to know who beat her up. As a result, he goes on a boisterous ram page that culminates in him shooting a mental health worker and waving a gun in front of a crowd of police officers. Eddie is institutionalized and, despite hiSTobviously unstable condi tion, Maureen promises him that he’ll be out in three months. Ten years later, Eddie is finally released from the institution. By now, Maureen has married Joey (John Travolta) and had three children (the first being her and Eddie’s). Convinced that Maureen still wants him back, Eddie plans to rescue her from Joey and go back to their old life. Joey, as would be expected, is not pleased with the situation; and Maureen is confused. This is a love story, Cassavetes style. It works not only because of the excellent screen-writing, but also -1-T1 The Facts Mjk Title: “She’s So Lovely" Stars: Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, John Travolta Director: Nick Cassavetes Rating: R (language,violence) Grade: A Five Words: Love story gone fantastically wrong because the cast that was selected to bring those words to life seems to have much more than a financial attachment to the film. This film is a labor of love, and it shows. Penn, who made his pseudo retirement from acting a few years back, in all likelihood will garner another Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Eddie, the gun waving, fanatical romantic. The character’s jumps from lovelorn innocent to wild-eyed mental patient are as seamless as could be expected, and Penn’s charm radiates through even in scenes where his actions are almost despicable. Robin Wright Penn may be another Oscar contender. Even though Eddie is the one institutional ized, Maureen is the truly crazy fig ure in this story, and Wright Penn pushes this aspect of her character through with a subtlety that shows iivi w w ii v/ucu in aim lauiaiivv. Travolta, as usual, brings his own traits to the character of Joey, the “other man” who - depending on your point of view - is truly the wronged man in this story. His flam boyance and strength balance Penn’s quiet confidence almost perfectly. Harry Dean Stanton and Debi Mazar are equally solid as the bick ering couple that keep Eddie and Maureen in check. Nick Cassavetes does his father’s script justice here, too. He keeps the story well-paced and holds back in sit uations where other directors might feel compelled to become heavy handed. His touch is restrained enough to allow his actors to shine on their own; and with a cast like this, that’s a good thing. “She’s So Lovely” is by no means typical Hollywood fare. The charac ters are not all likable, even when they try to do the right thing, and the end ing is - by the usual standards - unex pected. But after a summer filled with worse-than-expected flops and cutout characterizations, “She’s So Lovely” is a long-awaited change of pace; and it’s definitely one for the better. We are family__ ■■■mp? | MULBERRY LANE, a quartet of sisters from Omaha, will perform its critically-acclaimed original music Saturday at the Mill, 800 P St. The group, from left to right, includes Allie, Jaymie, Rachel and Heather Rizzuto. The two-hour set will begin at 9 p.m. Bar gets touch of theater from students ByLizaHoltmeier Senior Reporter When most people think of a trip to the theater, they picture lobbies with chandeliers, stairways with deep red carpet and actors performing under the lights on a proscenium stage. Two University of Nebraska Lincoln theater students - Adam DeMars and Bradley Mausbach - are challenging this notion. The two are taking theater into the bar. DeMars and Mausbach, who have worked at the Brass Rail, 1416 O St., for almost four years, produced James McClure’s “Lone Star” at the bar last April. “I think as a theater student it’s a great experience to do theater outside of the university because you learn how to market yourself and make some money while doing it,” Mausbach said. “I learned as the pro duction of ‘Lone Star’ went on about the complexities of a production bud get. That weird thing we call money can change a lot of things.” Bolstered by positive feedback after their endeavors, Mausbach and DeMars decided to continue bringing theater into the Brass Rail. “We had a lot of good feedback on the script fitting the atmosphere of the place and identifying with the audience,” Mausbach said. “A lot of people who don’t know much about theater came to our shows. Our most crowded night was 80 people, and our least crowded night was about 45. Future plans for Brass Rail pro ductions include an open-micro phone day on Wednesdays,-the con version of a screenplay for the stage and the production of a Sam Sheperd script. “We want to appeal to the non theater-going crowd as well as the theater lovers,” DeMars explained. “Theater is for everybody, and we hope the Brass Rail can increase peo ple’s exposure.” To do so, DeMars and Mausbach would like to involve others in their productions. “I would like to involve not just theater students, but students at large,” DeMars said. “It’s a lot of work, but it gives you a sense of pride to do it on your own.” Lincoln's largest selection of ML Bikes Largest selection of U-locks and cables. Fast, expert repairs on all makes Located between city and east campus 475-BIKE, www.cydeworksusa.com The Jean Outlet. 3241 South 13th. 420-5151. We buy and sell Levis. • „ 233Mhz MMX NOTEBOOK COMPUTER 2.1gig H.D, 32M8 RAM, Active Matrix w/2MB VRAM, 33.6 Voice/Fax Modem Windows95, Loaded, Collegiate computers. 402-477-1252 Brother Whisper Writer 7400. InkJet, monitor, optional paper feeder mOuded. <150/060 Brandon. 438-3428. Custom Compter Systems built to specs. Let us quote you q system) Collegiate Computer, 402-477-1252 _ Great for typinapapers! 486 SX/33 MHz microproces sor. 8 MB RAM, monitor, modem, MS Windows. Works, Money, Original, Packaging, extra computer books, software, dot matrix printer. $400,464-4310 MICROWORKS DISCOUNT COMPUTER RENTALS Pentium Systems with options of your choice...CD-Hom/ Modem/ Printer/ Multimedia Kits. Purchase - Rent - Rent To Own. 438-3871. Black metal pressure loft $100. Have carpet fit to Selleck Hall room, but will also fit easily in Abel-Sandoz or H-S-S. One navy blue carpet $35, one dark green carpet, $35. 473-4926. King Waveless Waterbed for Sale, Good Condition, Only $75,486-0245. Loft and carpet for sale, perfect for dorm rooms. Call 438-1785. Oak entertainment center for up to 27’ T.V. $225 o.b.o. King waterbed. 12 drawer pedastool, mirrored and lit headboard. $150 o.b.o. 466-7292. condition. $40,438-0968’ Wooden sturdy loft with mattress. $100 OBO. Contact Julie 475-0388._ 10 lbs. - 2 weeks guaranteed. 441 -0233/leave message. Cable descrambler kit $14.95. View all premium and pay per view channels. 1 -800-752-1389. Salt Water Reef Tank, All accessories including pt. skmr., also included oak stand and hood. $350 466-1484, evenings. FOR SALE: K2 in-line skates. Like New. $50 Call 483-5177.; -_ Also, VCR w/remote, excellent condition, $75. Also color TV, $75,466-8520. INCREDIBLE Tower Infinity Kappa 9 amplifiers and cassette deck. Must sell, make reasonable offer, 475-0642._ NEBRASKA FAN IN WASHINGTON needs TWO TICK ETS for upcoming game. CaH with offers at 476-9766. NEED 1 OR 2 TICKETS TO EDGEFEST. CALL 472-9812 (DAY) OR 474-1112 (EVENING). ASK FOR BRUCE._ Need Edgefest Tickets)) 464-9562 NU at COLORADO Call 303-430-1111 NU at Washington 9/20, buy/sell 1-800-281 -0753. Two Tickets to Summer Slam, Featuring Pantera in Kansas City, Sept. 26th. $40. email 00206696Qbigred.unl__ WANTED 12 tfckets for October 18th’s Homecoming game. NU vs. Texas Tech. Seats need not be together. 483-6334. WANTED!! 2-3 TICKETS FOR EDGEFEST!! CALL 436-0918. ‘96 Geo Metro LS1 - 2 door HB, 15 K, auto, air, $5750. ‘93 Ptymoth Colt, 2-door, 5 speed, air, 75K, $3750. ‘88 Nissan Pulsar NX, 2-door, 5 speed, 88K, $3250. Baer's Auto Sales 1647 S 3rd 477-6442 87 Grand Am. Runs Good, Must Sell. $1000 or better. 438-6230. 1980 CJ7 Jeep. 4WD, Hard Top. Asking $2,800 o.b.o. Call Mike 402-293-0085.__ 1981 VW Rabbit. 4-door, runs well. $300 OBO. 488-9041, 1984 Suburu, 102,000 miles, many new parts, including: brakes, alternator, clutch. 4-speed, 4-door, $1,200.465-4296. 1986 Merkur XR4T1, 5-speed turbo, a/c, sunroof, power windows, EXCELLENT running condition, new tires, $2,400.483-4698. 1994 Ford Taurus GL, like new, 15,450 miles, loaded, white with gray interior, $11,500.483-4698. 1967 silver Volvo 240DL sedan, power windows, power locks, heated seats, AM/FM cassette stereo, interior & exterior very good condition, exceptionally reliable, 132,000 miles. $5500.423-7753. 86’ VW Golf GTI, None better. Sunroof, red, lowered, stress bar, too much to list. $2,900 o.b.o. 421 -3909. Hey! 94 HONDA ELITE 50CC SCOOTER. Excellent condition, like new, low mileage, great gas mileage. Must sell immediately. $1000 CCO. Call 477-0032. ADOPTION A loving alternative We offer counseling and adoption services to help you plan the best future tor your baby. No fees or obligations. Statewide since 1893. Nebraska Children’s Home, 4600 Valley Rd., Suite 314,483-7879 New Metabolism Breakthrough. Lose 5-100 pounds. Doctor Approved. Cost, $35.d0. 1-800-563-0386. Swedish Massage. 47-7-0138. Don’t fall behind in class! FRENCH, RUSSIAN, and CZECH tutoring. Call now for an experienced professional: 477-4490, ask for Katja. KUNGFU 435-1137 Auto Accidents & DWI Other criminal matters, call Sanford Pollack 476-7474. Free Birthright is a conficflntial helping hand. Please call for appointment or more information, 483-2609. Professional Resumes and More. Resumes, cover letters, term papers, secretarial servic es, accounting, and more. Calf 475-2505 between *:30 am to 4:00 pm. and after hours 477-7107. 1 M/F roommate wanted to share house. $150/month + utilities. Call 476-3256. 1 roommate needed, 18th and R St., $160/month. All utilities paid. Call 429-1481 or 474-5208/ leave mes sage; 2 roommates needed to share 5 bedroom house. $200 plus 1/5 utilities & deposit. Kory 477-6306. College students dream house! One person needed to share large, modern 5 bedroom house. Capital Beach area. $185/month. 475-5305 M/F roommate to share large house near campus. W/D, AC, dishwasher. $165/mo + 1/4 utilities. 476-0396. Need roommates to share 3 bedroom/2 bath near campuses, C/A, laundry, $250, utilities included, 438-6809._ ' J . ■ Non-smoker to share townhome. Off-street parking, own bath, 1/3 utilities, close to campus, $310, preferred graduate. 474-0471. nuummuiB iieeueu 'u snaie nuye uiree ueuroum, iwu bathroom apartment in older building. Lots of character wood floors, crown molding, tile bathrooms. Unique windows, $200 per month + util, and deposit. 476-1365. Available immediately. Roommate wanted to share a house with living quarters in basement, partial furnishings. $250 per. month with half utilities. Call 477-8609. - -^ Two male or female. $175 month plurl/5 utilities. 475-0932.£ We need a female roommate to share a 3 bedroom. 2 bathroom loft apartment, in Capital Beach area, secured building. $220/mo. 438-9663, leave a message. 1 bedroom available for rent nowl $200/month. Washer/Dryer. Large House. 540 Windsor. 475-5305 25th and Washington. Furnished living room, bedroom. Refrigerator. Non-smokers/non-drinkers. $150, utilities paid. 477-5032. _4 _ Nice room close to campus, large kitchen and living room, $210 plus 1/4 utilities, can JSBO-0033. HCIose to campus!!! 5 plus 1 bedroom, 2 bath. At 2331 ‘If Street. New appliances including washer/drydr, no pets. $895/month. Management One 477-2600. 1 month free! 2740 R, large, 3 bedroom, $450, garage, laundry. 430-6328. 3 bedroom, stove, refridgerator, washer/dryer, decks, remodted and dean. 1611 N. 28th. $650.483-2156 3,4,5 Bedrooms. Near UNL Stadium. Central air. Washer/Dryer. Range/Refrigerator. Dishwasher. Lawn maintained. 489-9294.T 1205 Claremont. Very nice, 2 bedroom, room for 3, 2 bath, parking, near campus. $500. 432-0644. 1735 N. 29th. Large 5-6 bedrooms, 2 baths, central air. $795. 430-6328. 2980 Dudley, brand new 4 bedroom, 2 bath, double garage, central air, $850.430-6328. _ BRAND NEW! 2628 Q. Deluxe, 2 bedroom, double gar age, $575.430-6328. ___. Clean and nice 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 3050 R $65$>3nr bedroom, 1 bath, 231 West F, $550 Washer/dry ST ceiling fan, central air, no pets 432-8180.