Interiors

Released 1978
Stars Kristin Griffith, Mary Beth Hurt, Richard Jordan, Diane Keaton, E.G. Marshall, Geraldine Page, Maureen Stapleton, Sam Waterston
Directed by Woody Allen

This is Woody Allen's first drama, and I think it's brilliant. It's a bleak picture that tackles mental illness, the meaning of art, sibling rivalry, divorce, intellectual snobbery, and suicide. It's far too grim for the average moviegoer, and I don't mean that as a criticism. I mean it as a warning. If you don't like existential conversation from emotionally frozen people, don't go anywhere near this. If that's your cup of tea, you'll love this movie.

Rather than describing the plot, I'd like to comment on Joey's situation. She was a girl raised in a cold, intellectual family that praised artistic talent over all else. She was her father's favorite and was told she was special from day one, and this created unrealistic expectations for her. As an adult she knew she was supposed to be a famous artist, but in what discipline? Photography, writing, painting? Joey was cursed with being good at many things, but not exceptional at anything. I know this feeling, because it was similar to my own experience. While growing up, I was an exceptional student at all levels, and I always knew I was going to be something special. About five years after college I realized that wasn't going to happen. I'm successful, but I'm just average in my industry. I think things would have been different had I been in Silicon Valley--especially during the internet craze, but I like the midwest. I made my decision to go for a relaxed family-oriented life, and I don't regret it. This is exactly what Joey needs to do, but she was raised to value accomplishment and recognition over happiness. That's exactly what I don't want to do for my children. I want to raise them to value happiness over all else.

Summary by Bill Alward, July 22, 2001