On S List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Simpatico (1999)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
7/04, 6/25
6/25:
I'm surprised at the low ratings received by Simpatico.
Adapted from a morality play by Sam Shepard, it isn't a bad movie that's well-acted, thanks to Nick Nolte,
Jeff Bridges, Albert Finney, Sharon Stone, and Catherine Keener. All have been Oscar-nominated at some point
in their careers. The production value is high and seems like a good representation of Kentucky as the horse
capital of the world.
Vinnie thought he could make things right by fixing what happened in the past, but Simms had made peace with
it and moved on. Lyle seemed to be worried about the public revelation that could potentially ruin him yet felt
content in the long run to be confronted with the truth, so he could do something honest going forward. Rosie
got tired of living a lie and decided to shoot the most prized horse in order to end the charade.
Effective is the flashback technique to unravel the mystery while living in the present day. It takes a while,
allowing the thespians to build up their characters back and forth. The longer they talk, the more clear each
is a flawed individual. Like Cecilia, I happen to be caught in the middle of their drama, wondering what the
heck happened.
All in all, if you are a fan of anyone in the cast, Simpatico won't disappoint.