Tempest

Tempest

This early 80’s flick is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. Paul Mazursky’s loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Tempest shows how something classic can be given a more timely flavor. Mazursky’s Tempest showcases the talents of some of Hollywood’s superstars including: John Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands, Susan Surandon, Raul Julia and a youthful Molly Ringwald.

This film focuses on the familial interaction of Phillip (John), Antonia (Gena), and Miranda (Ringwald). The start of this picture is a little slow as character development is set up; however, it only takes a moment to realize that there is trouble in paradise. Phillip and Antonia are having marital problems brought about by his partial mental collapse and mid-life crisis. Adding fuel to this fire, Antonia starts dating Phillip’s boss, which creates a gale-force wind that blows him directly over the preverbal cliff. Caught in the turbulent storm of this dysfunctional relationship is their 15-year old daughter Miranda. In order to clear his head, Phillip decides to retreat to his native Greece. His daughter, Miranda, refuses to stay with her mother and accompanies him on this troubling journey promising that she will return when school resumes.

During their stay in Greece, Phillip and Miranda meet up with Aretha (Surandon) who quickly develops a relationship with father and daughter. The three flee Greece to an almost uninhabited island when Antonia comes looking for Miranda. Upon arrival, our gang meets up with Kalibanos (Julia) the only island resident. He develops an unhealthy crush on Miranda, which is quickly addressed by her father. The four live on the island for about a year until Antonia tracks them down yet again. However, this time an enormous storm capsizes her boat and everyone is thrown overboard. What ensues is a bout of heroism as our four castaways attempt to save those who have been pitched into the sea.

Overall, I liked this movie. I do have to admit it did seem to drag in places. However, I liked the acting (didn’t love it), the cinematography was pretty good (for the early 80s), and the scenery and idea for the movie was a breath of fresh air. Who would have thought that running away from your problems would be an effective coping mechanism. I won’t give away the ending of the film, but will say that you probably wouldn’t have seen it coming. I give the film three stars for a unique spin on an old tale. If you want to get tossed around a bit, give Tempest a whirl.

That’s How Matt Sees It!