FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991, USA, 130m, PG) ****
Drama
dist. Universal Pictures (USA), Rank Film Organization (UK); pr co. Universal Pictures / Act III Communications / Avnet/Kerner Productions / Electric Shadow Productions / Fried Green Tomatoes Productions; d. Jon Avnet; w. Fannie Flagg, Carol Sobieski (based on the novel ‘Fried Green Tomatoes At the Whistle Stop Café’ by Fannie Flagg); pr. Jon Avnet, Jordan Kerner; ph. Geoffrey Simpson (Colour | 1.85:1); m. Thomas Newman; ed. Debra Neil-Fisher; pd. Barbara Ling; ad. Larry Fulton.
cast: Kathy Bates (Evelyn Couch), Mary Stuart Masterson (Idgie Threadgoode), Mary-Louise Parker (Ruth Jamison), Jessica Tandy (Ninny Threadgoode), Cicely Tyson (Sipsey), Chris O’Donnell (Buddy Threadgoode), Stan Shaw (Big George), Gailard Sartain (Ed Couch), Timothy Scott (Smokey Lonesome), Gary Basaraba (Grady Kilgore), Nick Searcy (Frank Bennett), Lois Smith (Mama Threadgoode), Jo Harvey Allen (Women’s Awareness Teacher), Macon McCalman (Prosecutor Percy), Richard Riehle (Reverend Scroggins), Raynor Scheine (Sheriff Curtis Smoote), Grace Zabriskie (Eva Bates), Reid Binion (Young Julian Threadgoode), Afton Smith (Leona Threadgoode), Danny Nelson (Papa Threadgoode).
This wonderfully acted, heartfelt and sometimes sentimental adaptation of Fannie Flagg’s novel sees trapped housewife Evelyn Couch’s (Bates) making her regular Wednesday nursing home visits, and encountering Ninny Threadgoode (Tandy), a colourful old woman who brightens Evelyn’s outlook by sharing tales from her past. As Ninny recounts the exploits of her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Masterson), owner of a small Alabama café in the 1920s, and the bond Idgie shared with her friend Ruth (Parker), Evelyn gains the confidence to change her own life for the better. The performances of the four female leads are all excellent, drawing us into both stories of present and past, which are told with humour, drama and conviction. With a strong script and immaculate direction, the film manages to avoid becoming overly preachy and instead lets the characters speak for themselves. The result is a powerful and emotional experience. Extended version runs 137m. UK title: FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFÉ.
AAN: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Jessica Tandy); Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Fannie Flagg, Carol Sobieski).
