Details
Movie Description
A wonderful first film from writer/director Mendelsohn, JUDY BERLIN concerns a day in the life in Babylon, Long Island. A revolving cast of characters reflect upon their existences, including a failed movie director, an aspiring actress, a confused elementary school principal, a depressed teacher, and a housewife who is struggling with her sanity. When an extended solar eclipse settles on the town, the surreal atmosphere gives each individual time to reflect on the choices they've made up to that point. An intelligent, sensitive treatment of suburbia, JUDY BERLIN won Mendelsohn the Best Director award at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.
Synopsis
A sensitive glimpse into the lives of several Babylon, Long Island residents that takes place on the second day of school. Thirty-year-old David Gold (Harnick) has moved back home with his parents after failing to become a successful Hollywood director. He mopes around the house apathetically and spends his afternoons wandering the streets of his childhood, while his mother, Alice (Kahn), struggles with the realization that her husband Arthur (Dishy), an elementary school principal, no longer loves her. Arthur's middle-aged confusion finds solace in the presence of Sue Berlin (Barrie), a teacher at his school. As Arthur and Sue grapple with their attraction, David encounters Judy Berlin (Falco), an old classmate -- and aspiring actress -- who is leaving for Hollywood that very day. Amidst the surreal atmosphere of an extended solar eclipse, the inhabitants of Babylon reflect upon their lives, searching for meaning and understanding in the people and places that surround them.
Film Notes
Theatrical Release: FEBRUARY 25, 2000 (NY)
Industry Reviews
"...Funny, touching and vital....Edie Falco is a joy as Judy..."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (03/02/2000)
"...Deeply felt and affecting....Mendelsohn treats the desperate characters without any condescension..."
Movieline - Stephen Farber
"...The great strength of JUDY BERLIN is that Mendelsohn truly treasures his characters..."
Film Comment - Harlan Jacobson (01/01/2000)
"...A brace of outstanding performances....A uniquely literate and humane little art film..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Box Office - Ray Greene (04/01/1999)
"...JUDY BERLIN is a comedy of the most delicately balanced perfection, rueful yet radiant, every moment calibrated with exquisite precision for just the right effect..."
Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (02/25/2000)
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