'Simpatico' is based on a prestigious play by a prestigious author (Sam Shepherd). Its values are theatrical - 'grand' (i.e. porcine) acting; a series of literary metaphors and structural connections; the group of long, 'key' scenes instead of a fluid cinematic narrative. The film basically reiterates the maxim of another prestigious play by a prestigious author - 'Hell is other people'; all the connections in the movie serve to imprison the three main characters in a vicious circle. Four great actors probably thought they were making another 'Paris, Texas'. There are similarities - Nick Nolte's time-blasted hobo raking up the past; the home movies. But I don't think so.
Review of Simpatico
