Stars: Robin Williams, Annabella Sciorra, Cuba Gooding Jr.
This film is an exploration, a treatise, if you will, on life, love, death, loss and reality. It requires the concentration of someone reading a book – heavy on dialogue, flashbacks and deep-seated messages. It is also a directorial undertaking of massive proportions to depict the glory of Heaven and the utter despair of Hell.
Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra play husband and wife; he goes to Heaven and she goes crazy (and then to Hell). Williams’ character makes the decision to go on a journey in search of his wife, his soulmate, his true love. It is a hellish and freightening journey with familiar but well constructed images (Biblical and Mythological). Some messages you will come away with: We create the world in which we live. We create our own hells. Don’t lose hope. Never give up. Love is its own reality.
It’s a slow, mostly dark, heavy movie which is probably why it didn’t do well at the box office. But don’t let that stop you. Definitely a thinking man’s/woman’s film.
It’s good points: Robin Williams, Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow, Cuba Gooding, Jr. Terrific acting under tough circumstances. Robin Williams is a truly fine actor. Stunning photography, vivid imagery. Lotta says it’s not for everyone but it can be a worthwhile experience for the right crowd.