She's So Lovely was a family production: directed by Nick Cassavetes, his father John's script and a supporting role for his mother Gena Rowlands. Nick's second film shows a marked advance in his career, despite the influences of his father and the overpowering performance by Sean Penn who believed in his character from the moment John himself proposed it to him. After John's death, Penn wanted to direct the film in black and white, but could not find financial support. It was Nick who finally decided to make the film.
The film tells the story of a passionate couple -or a pair of misfits - (Sean Penn and Robin Wright) living a Bohemian life. Things get out of hand and Penn ends up in a psychiatric hospital for ten years. After his release, he finds his lover married to a wealthy man (John Travolta) and living in suburban comfort with three children, the oldest daughter being his own. The first part of the film reminds us of Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway in the Barfly with its drunken scenes.
She's So Lovely places somewhere between underground and mainstream. The original title She's De Lovely comes from a Cole Porter song.
Director: Nick CassavetesCast : Sean Penn, Robin Wright, John Travolta, Gena Rowlands, Harry Dean Stanton
Photo : Thierry Arbogast
Running time : 100 minutes
