I really don't understand the people who claim that the story threads in this film are "too complex." If they're just too much strain on the average brain or modern attention span, then I think that's more of a negative reflection on the quality of audiences than on this film!
As far as the various plot threads being somehow incongruous or inappropriate, I believe the film follows the plot of the Childress novel, which was well received. It then speaks favorably to Antonio Banderas' skill at adapting the literary source. Don't fault a director for being faithful to his source material, please!
This film is a goofy slice of a goofy era, addressing diverse threads that provide a compelling picture of coexisting realities in the latter 20th century, especially the two injustices of spousal abuse and racism.
The title is apt; Lucille is indeed crazy, but the real insanity is Alabama society's tolerance for spousal abuse and racism!
And what could be more compelling and relevant than that?!
As far as the various plot threads being somehow incongruous or inappropriate, I believe the film follows the plot of the Childress novel, which was well received. It then speaks favorably to Antonio Banderas' skill at adapting the literary source. Don't fault a director for being faithful to his source material, please!
This film is a goofy slice of a goofy era, addressing diverse threads that provide a compelling picture of coexisting realities in the latter 20th century, especially the two injustices of spousal abuse and racism.
The title is apt; Lucille is indeed crazy, but the real insanity is Alabama society's tolerance for spousal abuse and racism!
And what could be more compelling and relevant than that?!