Living Out Loud

Starring:Holly Hunter, Danny DeVito, Queen Latifah, Martin Donovan (II), Richard Schiff, Elias Koteas, Suzanne Shepherd, Mariangela Pino, Eddie Cibrian, Clark Anderson (II), Ellen McElduff, Ivan Kronenfeld, Fil Formicola, Nick Sandow, Jenette Goldstein, Lin Shaye, John F. O'Donohue, Fred Scialla, Anthony Russell, Sy Sher
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Studio: New Line Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

The original title of Living Out Loud was The Kiss, which also happens to be the title of one of the two Anton Chekhov stories the movie is loosely based on. (For those Russian lit mavens out there, the other story is "Misery.") The actual kiss in Living Out Loud is a somewhat mysterious affair: newly single Judith (Holly Hunter) suddenly finds herself laying a wet 'n' sloppy one on a total stranger (Elias Koteas, Hunter's Crash costar) in the back room of a cool jazz club, and then parting ways with the man. For good. Like so much of this exceptionally smart, generous movie, no explanation is given--or necessary. Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (The Fisher King), making his directing debut, charts Judith's struggles in the wake of being dumped by her doctor husband (Martin Donovan). It turns out life has its ups and downs, some of which come courtesy of the elevator operator (Danny DeVito) in her swanky Upper East Side apartment building. DeVito's character is a nice guy in need of a little human touch, and the actor soft-pedals his usual sleaze in favor of a warm, directly emotional approach. It's the kind of turn that garners Oscar nominations, except that this movie didn't attract the box office it deserved. His performance, like the film, keeps surprising you--a fantasy sequence here, an ensemble dance there, plus a couple of smoky jazz tunes contributed by Queen Latifah. This unpredictable movie has the kiss of class. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Underated.......2007-05-12

I found this movie to witty and ironic. I loved Holly Hunters role and she had great support from Danny Devito and Queen Latifah.There was so much of it that I related to. Who wouldn't want to throw muffins at their EX LOL!

What a gem.......2007-04-02

This is a great film with a knockout soundtrack. I could go on about the standout performances of Holly Hunter, Danny DeVito and Queen Latiffa, but you should discover them for yourself. And then get the soundtrack to see what happens when the Queen tackles jazz! A classic.

Quirky and Often Heartfelt Look at a Manhattan Divorcee's Survival Tactics.......2006-12-31

Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese was able to make something substantive from the hoary novella that was Robert James Waller's "The Bridges of Madison County" aided by Clint Eastwood's assured direction. In his own directorial debut, LaGravenese again shows dexterity with unexpected character development in this self-penned 1998 dramedy. On the surface, the plot is straightforward. Judith, a wealthy, middle-aged Manhattan woman, is reeling from a divorce from her smug doctor husband for whom she gave up her own promising medical career to become a nurse. Pat, the doorman in her building, is also suffering from a bad marriage, has increasing gambling debts, and just lost his daughter. After months of indifference, they finally speak to each other, and he becomes smitten even though she only wants to be friends. Providing sharp, unpredictable dialogue, LaGravenese does not rely on clichés to formulate the characters, and it's the quirky sense of revelation he provides to Judith and Pat that keeps the story consistently engaging. He also effectively inserts fantasy scenes to reflect Judith's wavering state of mind - a technique I haven't seen used as well since Irvin Kershner's "Up the Sandbox" a quarter century earlier.

Casting helps considerably as Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito play Judith and Pat with consummate skill and poignancy. Looking taut, often apoplectic and sometimes quite sexy, Hunter makes Judith a refreshingly multi-dimensional figure, a wounded bird one minute and a cutting harpy the next. I particularly like her curt response to her ex-husband's conciliatory new wife, as well as the effortlessly seductive dance moves she exhibits at a lesbian nightclub. In a surprising display of warmth, DeVito makes Pat a sympathetic character without resorting to either self-pity or smarminess. Vocalizing in a confident, languorous manner, Queen Latifah gives a nicely assured performance as Liz, a nightclub jazz singer with whom Judith bonds. The 1999 DVD includes a thoughtful commentary track from LaGravenese, a strong extra in itself, though it seems a shame in hindsight that they were not able to secure the principal actors to participate. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, there are also five deleted scenes including Queen Latifah's full performance of the standard "Lush Life".

I didn't know Queen Latifah could sing.......2006-05-12

She is terrific, what a voice. She should do a nice jazzy type album. I really liked this movie. Holly and DeVito are always good. Of course DeVito can really bring out the pathos in his character. But, Queen keeps getting better and better. I hope to see her in more of these types of movies.

Great flick!.......2005-09-20

This movie did not get the audience it deserved. Holly Hunter shines like never before. Danny DeVito is a pleasant surprise as the guy who finally gets it right and Queen Lahtifa's role and her singing are magical. Do not miss this movie, the jazzy/blues mix of music alone is worth it.

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose (December 9, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, screenwriter William Goldman talks about the success of his films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Princess Bride" and offers his perspective on the declining movie industry (from January 7, 1997).||Then, Robert Towne, Academy Award nominated screenwriter, discusses his new film that he has directed, "Without Limits," that tells the story of track star Steve Prefontaine (from September 22, 1998).||Finally, Richard LaGravenese, the screenwriter of films such as "The Bridges of Madison County" and "The Horse Whisperer," discusses the new movie he has directed, "Living Out Loud," that stars Holly Hunter (from November 6, 1998).

Charlie Rose with Holly Hunter; David Puttnam; Juan Williams (December 4, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Holly Hunter; David Puttnam; Juan Williams (December 4, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Holly Hunter discusses her film Living Out Loud and recent career in New York theater. Then, Hollywood producer Sir David Puttnam of Chariots of Fire and The Midnight Express discusses his new book, Movies and Money, and his career as a producer and head of Columbia Pictures. Finally, journalist Juan Williams discusses his new book Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary, the difficulties he had in researching the book, and Marshall's views on civil rights and prominent African-American figures.

Charlie Rose with John Updike; Richard LaGravenese; Martin Garbus (November 6, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with John Updike; Richard LaGravenese; Martin Garbus (November 6, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, novelist John Updike discusses his new book, Bech at Bay, his latest installment in the Henry Bech series of novels he began 16 years prior. Then, Richard LaGravenese, the screenwriter of films such as The Bridges of Madison County and the Horse Whisperer, discusses the new movie he has directed, Living Out Loud, which stars Holly Hunter, and his work on the film Beloved. Finally, Martin Garbus, renowned First Amendment lawyer, discusses his new book, Tough Talk: How I Fought For Writers, Comics, Bigots, and the American Way, and recounts some of his well-known cases.

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose (December 31, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, a rebroadcast of a conversation with actor Holly Hunter about her film "Living Out Loud," and recent career in New York theater.||Then, a rebroadcast of a discussion with Joan Allen about her role in "Pleasantville" and its social implications.||Finally, a rebroadcast of a conversation with actor Ally Sheedy about her film "High Art".

Average customer rating:

Underated
What a gem
Quirky and Often Heartfelt Look at a Manhattan Divorcee's Survival Tactics
I didn't know Queen Latifah could sing
Great flick!

Living Out Loud [Region 2]
Starring: Holly Hunter , Danny DeVito , Queen Latifah , Martin Donovan (II) , and Richard Schiff
Director: Richard LaGravenese
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Living Out Loud: Original Soundtrack Recording
Miss Firecracker
Once Around
Bringing Down The House (Widescreen Edition)
Home for the Holidays

ASIN: B00004RCKY

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Underated.......2007-05-12

What a gem.......2007-04-02

Quirky and Often Heartfelt Look at a Manhattan Divorcee's Survival Tactics.......2006-12-31

I didn't know Queen Latifah could sing.......2006-05-12

Great flick!.......2005-09-20

Average customer rating:

Underated
What a gem
Quirky and Often Heartfelt Look at a Manhattan Divorcee's Survival Tactics
I didn't know Queen Latifah could sing
Great flick!

Living Out Loud [Region 2]
Starring: Holly Hunter , Danny DeVito , Queen Latifah , Martin Donovan (II) , and Richard Schiff
Director: Richard LaGravenese
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video