The Ballad of the Sad Cafe

I cannot say enough good things about Vanessa Redgrave's performance. I usually think of her as a sophisticated and attractive British actress. But for this role she takes off her makeup, crops her hair close to her head and lets her clear blue eyes shine from a weather-beaten face, her usual graceful body taking on an awkward gait, and her voice taking on a deep southern drawl. It is an absolutely magnificent performance with equally talented supporting actors. The story is weird but it kept my interest and my eyes were glued to the screen waiting for what would happen next. Too bad that I never really understood why the characters did what they did. I looked for resolution or some sort of explanation. Instead, the story became more and more grotesque, and I didn't like the ending. Just too many unanswered questions. For those interested in the Southern Gothic venue and who want to see wonderful performances, you might find watching this video an interesting and rewarding experience. For the rest of you, stay away.


A haunting presentation of a haunting novella   February 14, 2000
Marius Nell (Kampen Netherlands)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I first read Carson McCullers's hauntingly sad novella in 1984 and the story stuck with me for many years. Completely unaware that it had ever been filmed, I discovered this film by chance in a video store and was totally stunned by its veracity to the novella as well as the superb performances by Redgrave and Carradine. That such an essentially American (well, Southern, I suppose) story should have been filmed by a British director (and what a debut for the wonderful Simon Callow), and with a British leading lady, is odd. Yet it is compelling viewing, as the lives of these very sad and desperate people unfold before your eyes. The climactic boxing match is possibly one of the most painful things I have ever watched, from any point of view. You saw "Raging Bull"? Forget it! If you love the prose of McCullers you cannot but love this superb visualisation of one of her great works.


"Sad"s the right word   November 11, 2001
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Sad but good. Vanessa Redgrave is effective as a Southern loner living in a backwoods town. When a local man (Carradine) courts her and marries her, she refuses to let him sleep in the same house with her, let alone the same bed. Anyway, after brooding and complaining, You can imagine how embarrassed he'd be, it's a small town and everyone knows....events ensue and he ends up in prison.
Miss Amelia (Redgrave) opens a small cafe at the insistance of her cousin "Lyman" a hunchback . When, Marvin Macy (Carradine) comes back, completely changed after his stint in prison. Very bitter.. ..
And even though her cousin Lymon seems entranced by Marvin, as this now dark and alluring character he's become (And Keith Carradine is excellent at it ;-). Miss Amelia still sees him as an "evil man"


Quality filmaking   December 8, 1999
RubyRedhead (Oregon, USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this video! I disagree strongly with the reviewer who said "nothing worked" in it. The acting was superb, and the filming was beautiful and haunting. Many images from the film have stuck with me - watching it was like visiting another world. My only complaint is that I didn't completely understand the ending; it felt a bit unfinished. But it is well-made and a very thought provoking movie. I recommend it to anyone who likes films that are a bit unusual and are driven more by character than by fast action.


Zane Rules   January 5, 2001
Michael Cote (Austin, Texas USA)
2 out of 11 found this review helpful

I've seen this movie, and Zane Rockenbaugh can sure act. The scene where he takes a slap, boy I could just feel it. If you haven't seen this movie, see it just to get Zane slapped.