Search - Rachel, Rachel on DVD

EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER STUDY

scotsladdie | 12/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Newman made his directing debut with this story and he does a great job; whenever it threatens to bore, something always saves it. Rachel teaches by day, wearing simple, practical dresses and her hair up. By night she caters to her domineering mother by preparing refreshments for her parties. This sexually repressed spinster schoolteacher, however, gets one last chance at romance in her small Connecticut town. Woodward mixes just the right amounts of loneliness and sweetness in the leading role. Won Golden Globe and New York Film Critics awards for both Woodward and her husband Newman for best actress and best director respectively (they took home four awards between them)."

Rachel, Rachel, A Triumph!

Barbara K. | Freehold, NJ United States | 05/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was so important to Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman that they make "a little film that meant something", that they didn't even take a salary from Warner Brothers. Also, they invested much of their own money to get its deep message across.



This incredible film from 1968 continues to stand the test of time. Woodward received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her sensitive portrayal of Rachel Cameron, a 35-year-old New England spinster who lives with her domineering, possessive mother. Rachel's world is very limited, due in part to her mother's constant nagging and neediness, and Rachel's own-self doubt. This is the story of a lonely, isolated woman who looks to find love with a man from her haunted past and how she breaks out of her shell. Early on, finding a man and having a child is the only way Rachel knows to find validation and meaning to her life. By the end of the story Rachel realizes that the only person that can give her true validation is herself.



Estelle Parsons also gives a stellar oscar-nominated performance. Parsons plays Rachel's emotionally tormented friend and co-worker, Calla, who is also lost within herself and is desperately trying to grasp at something...anything.



Ahead of its time, RACHEL, RACHEL also gives a positive view of lesbianism and acceptance. The fact that the subject of homosexuality was even addressed was rare for a major studio release at that time.



Paul Newman's directorial debut has a powerful impact. RACHEL, RACHEL is a melancholy masterpiece that should not be missed.



I will also add, however, that this film is very intense and meant to be watched with no distractions, as its message is meaningful; the symbolism is at times subtle.



If any potential viewer is the type that leaves the room to do something while the movie is on, and then comes back to pick it up again, he or she shouldn't even bother as its message will be lost."

Joanne Woodward is terrific!

scotsladdie | 04/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a quiet, insightful film that is blessed with a wise and wonderful performance by Joanne Woodward. Directed by her husband, Paul Newman, this film explores the plight of a 35-year old woman who has come to the crossroads of her life. She is a decent, lonely and loyal person who realizes that she must make a major change in her life, or continue an unfulfilled and sterile existence in a small town that offers her no chance of real happiness. Paul Newman really shows his skill as a director in bringing this story to life. Here, Joanne Woodward proves that she is one of the finest, if not THE best, actress of her generation. She makes the viewer care about Rachel Cameron; you feel her loneliness, her despair, her fears, and finally, her hope for a better future. Woodward's skill as an actress has always been her courage to portray unglamourous, real women with all their imperfections and foibles. This is a great performance. The ensemble supporting cast in this film is also wonderful. The sadly underappreciated Estelle Parsons gives a gutsy performance as Rachel's equally lonely school teacher friend. Kate Harrington, as Rachel's demanding mother, and Geraldine Fitzgerald are also fine. This is a great slice-of-life film that, in its own quiet but powerful way, tells you a lot about the human condition. Kudos to Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman!"

A First Rate Directorial Debut

Drew Levan | Naperville,Illinois USA | 01/01/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great 1968 movie, making a long overdue debut on DVD. It stars Joanne Woodward as a single schoolteacher living in a small town.

The film mainly follows her interactions with the other people in town.

Joanne Woodward is terrific in a performance that brought her a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn, ultimately, ended up sharing the award for"Funny Girl"and "The Lion In Winter",respectively. The movie marked the first time Paul Newman, Ms. Woodward's husband, had directed a film. He was as accomplished behind the camera as he was in front of it.Mr. Newman also had a first rate actress with his wife. The whole film is a well acted character study,with Estelle Parsons also being a standout. With the loss of Paul Newman in September 2008, this movie is a reminder of what a talent he was. It's a quiet,thoughtful,well made movie that I enjoyed and I hope you will too. Drew Levan"