"To Die For", screenplay by Buck Henry (the overzealous celestial
help who flies Warren Beatty's character prematurely up to heaven
in "Heaven Can Wait"), directed by Gus van Zant.
Wonderful ensemble cast with Nicole Kidman (one of her best
roles i.m.o.), Joaquin Phoenix, Dan Hadya, Casey Affleck,
Wayne Knight, Buck Henry a.m.o.
^Familiar faces in the cast.
LOVE this movie, with Kidman in one of her best performances
as dangerous airhead Suzanne Stone whose motto is
"
You're not anybody in America unless you're on TV. On TV is
where we learn about who we really are. Because what's the point
of doing anything worthwhile if nobody's watching? And if people
are watching, it makes you a better person."
This was in the days when she still looked human, had reddish
hair and could move her face. She somehow often reminded me
of Anna Nicole Smith, too, in some scenes. Her American accent
is excellent and consistent throughout the movie, well done.
^Kidman still looking human.
I don't know on whom the author Joyce Maynard based the
character Suzanne (the story was based on the real-life case
of Pamela Smart, who seduced her 15-year old lover into murdering
her husband). But the remark about there not being a point in doing
anything if nobody's watching reminded me of Warren Beatty's
remark about Madonna in "Truth or Dare, In Bed with Madonna":
"
She doesn't want to live off-camera, much less talk.
There's nothing to say off-camera. Why would you say
something if it's off-camera? What point is there existing? "
^The amazing resemblance between the uncredited Rain
Phoenix and her brother Joaquin.
The Smart case was in May of 1990, Truth or Dare was shot
from April 1990 until 1991 and released in May 1991. Maynard's
book was released in 1992.
^Kidman's Anna Nicole vibe and Joaquin looking horny.