The Best Of Intentions

I have always thought that Mary Kay Place was one of the most underacted actors working in film and television.  From her initial TV work to her great performance in "The Big Chill," there's a natural quality and organic flavor to her work that, to me, has gone virtually unnoticed.   Why did she now work more?  How come she never got the chance to take on starring roles?   

So, when I was invited to a free advance screening of "Diane" starring Ms. Place, I jumped at the chance.  Finally, in her 70s, Mary Kay was going to get her opportunity to shine.  

And shine she does.  She's in virtually every scene of the film.  She brings her usual easygoing nature to the role.  Plus she was at the screening for a question-and-answer.  Sweet,

I just wish the whole production was better.  I truly wanted to be Sally Field.  I really, really wanted to like it.   Ultimately, I couldn't.

The problem here with the film's writer and director, Kent Jones.   He, too, was at the screening and his post-film commentary explained some of the problems.  And highlighted others.  From what I can see, Jones' work to date is in the documentary arena.  He did the film "Hitchcock/Truffaut."  That was good.  But, as for telling a fictitious story, Jones is clearly out of his league.

"Diane" is about...well...Diane.  An older woman in a small New England town where all the senior citizens know all the other senior citizens.  Diane is the reliable one.  Bringing casseroles to somebody with a bad hip.  Dishing out macaroni and cheese at a mission.  Helping everybody who needs it.   

The only place where Diane is seemingly powerless is with her own son, who is first a drug addict and then reforms to be a religious zealot.  Truly this transformation happens in the blink of an eye and is truly confusing to the viewer.  It's this kind of jump cutting and then creative meandering that does "Diane" in.   Indeed, the film winds up simultaneously being too fast and too slow.  How the hell is that even possible??

Essentially, this is a tale of an older person coming to grips with the end of life as she watches her universe dwindle away one by one.  A theme worth exploring.  I just wish the cinematic guide had more experience taking you on that journey.  I know this was a personal tale for Kent Jones.  I just wish he was able to tell it better.

At the end, he was truly lucky to have Mary Kay Place in the lead role.   Without her, "Diane" would be a complete failure.  Still, if you are a fan of hers, definitely check it out.   After being first shown in the Tribeca Festival last year, it is finally getting a limited release.

And, in short order, will be available on Netflix or Amazon.  Where mediocre independent movies go to die.

LEN'S RATING:  Two-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Pasta and tomatoes.