Plot: What’s it about?
This movie is a trio of stories which take place in three time periods, but revolve around one issue, lesbianism. In 1961, we see Edith (Vanessa Redgrave) as she is forced to cope with the loss of her long time partner. She isn’t allowed into certain functions because she isn’t family and her partner’s family doesn’t have much compassion. So she remains silent in an effort to keep her relationship in the shadows, so she won’t tarnish her partner’s image to her family. In 1972, we meet a young woman named Linda (Michelle Williams) who is a lesbian college student. When she and her fellow lesbians are kicked out of a feminist group because of their sexuality, they frequent a local lesbian bar to cheer up and talk. There, Linda meets a butch woman who she likes, but her friends disapprove of. In 2000, we watch as Fran and Kal (Sharon Stone & Ellen Degeneres) make a most important decision, whether or not to have a baby and how. As they peruse their options and discuss the issues, they begin to wonder if it is such a good idea after all.
This seems almost like a lesbian propaganda film at times, geared toward easing people’s minds about the idea. I have nothing against lesbians in the least, but this piece seems to be so conflicted at times that it almost ends up being a negative piece on the subject. The women seem to be confident and strong characters, but in the second and third segments, they turn into sex crazed maniacs and lose sight of everything else. The first of the three short films is excellent in every respect, but the final two seem like excuses to show some lesbian sex sequences. I am all for that, but I think if that’s the point, then the folks need to drop all the other elements and focus on that aspect. I’ve read some reviews that praise this as a true television classic and I am forced to disagree with that claim. If all three were on the level of the first then I would concur, but the last two pieces just fall miles short of the standard set by the first. If you need a rental and are out of options, then this disc might make a nice choice. The disc is very bare bones though, so unless you’re a huge fan of the film, this one is a firm rental at best.
The first segment was written and directed by Jane Anderson, who creates the best of the three and really puts the other two to shame. I think this should have been the final piece within the film, but that would have thrown off the basic concept. Anderson’s segment has great writing and characters, which the other two lack in serious form. This one seems very realistic and focused at all times, and I hope we can more of Anderson’s work in the future. Vanessa Redgrave is excellent in this segment and really steals the entire film in the process. She always gives her roles her best, but Redgrave (Deep Impact, Gods and Monsters) shines even more than usual here. Elizabeth Perkins (The Flintstones) and Paul Giamatti (Man On The Moon) also appear in this segment. The second segment was directed by Martha Coolidge, who also directed such films as Real Genius and Valley Girl. This piece is good, but doesn’t measure up to the first one in the end. Coolidge injects some humor which helps, but just can’t keep this one afloat. The cast for this segment includes Chloe Sevigny (Kids, Boys Don’t Cry), Natasha Lyonne (Detroit Rock City), and Michelle Williams (Dick). The final segment was written and directed by Anne Heche and is a total disaster on all fronts. This episode weakens the entire film and simply shouldn’t have been included. The cast includes Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct), Ellen Degeneres (Mr. Wrong), and other gifted workers, but even they can’t save this sinking ship.
Video: How does it look?
If These Walls Could Talk 2 is presented in a full frame transfer, which preserves the original aspect ratio of the film. This was a made for television project so the image isn’t as sharp as a feature film, but this visual presentation is still very good. I was pleased to find very little in terms of compression problems, while the source print showed only minimal marks. The colors look bright and never smear, while flesh tones are natural and rich also. No contrast issues either, lights and darks are well balanced and no detail is lost in the least.
Audio: How does it sound?
This isn’t the movie to choose if you want dynamic audio, but the included 2.0 surround track more than does this material justice. All the elements are covered in fine form, though you’ll never be blown away or immersed inside the experience. This is fine though, since this material doesn’t need to be joined by dynamic sound in order to work. The dialogue is clean and clear, sound effects distinct and somewhat active, and the music is also properly mixed and well placed. This disc also houses a Spanish audio track and subtitles in Spanish, French, and English.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some cast and crew biographies and filmographies.
