Cast
View All
River Phoenix
as James Wright
Samantha Mathis
as Miranda Presley
Dermot Mulroney
as Kyle Davidson
Sandra Bullock
as Linda Lue Linden
K.T. Oslin
as Lucy
Anthony Clark
as Billy
Webb Wilder
as Ned
Earl Poole Ball
as Floyd
Deborah Allen
as Deborah Allen
Jimmie Dale Gilmore
as Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Katy Moffatt
as Katy Moffatt
Jo-El Sonnier
as Jo-El Sonnier
Pam Tillis
as Pam Tillis
Kevin Welch
as Kevin Welch
Trisha Yearwood
as Trisha Yearwood
Crew
Director
- Peter Bogdanovich
Writer
- Carol Heikkinen
Producer
- John Davis
Reviews
Wuchak
_**River Phoenix shines before passing on, plus the lovely Samantha Mathis**_
Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix).
"The Thing Called Love" (1993) failed miserably at the box office but it's a pretty solid drama revolving around the music biz in Nashville.
The film isn't redneck-y at all (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol); the people are genuine and likable, if sometimes annoying. The movie has a hip flair and is filled with newer country music (for 1993, that is). Aside from trying to make it in the music business the story naturally revolves around Kyle and James' attraction to Miranda and their ensuing rivalry.
The film never cops a meanspirited vibe, despite one brawl. The viewer gets the impression that these are good, talented people who will remain friends no matter what.
A couple of things make the film worthwhile, for me anyway. One is the magnetic performance of River Phoenix, who was 22 during filming. His face looks like Quorthon of Bathory (when he was in his 20s), if you're familiar with that obscure metal band.
He exudes the brooding charisma of Marlon Brando, just different. Unfortunately, three and a half months after the movie's release River was found dead outside an L.A. nightclub due to an overdose. He was only 23. Samantha Mathis (Miranda) was dating him at the time.
Speaking of whom, Samantha is the second key highlight of this flick wherein she even outshines Sandra Bullock. Keep in mind that this was the year _before_ Bullock's breakout with "Speed." Samantha's beauty is captured well in a couple scenes, like around the 40-minute mark when Linda Lue's beau is passed out on the bed. It's too bad Samantha never broke-out, like Sandra. Her most popular flick is arguably "Broken Arrow" (1996) and then she pretty much disappeared from feature films.
A few country stars have cameos, like Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis.
"The Thing Called Love" may not be a great country music film like "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980) but it's pretty solid and highlighted by the brooding charisma of River Phoenix. He was great and it's a pity he died so prematurely.
The film runs 1 hour, 56 minutes, with the the Director's Cut running a couple minutes longer. It and was mostly shot in Nashville, with one scene done at Graceland in Memphis and another one in Santa Clarita, California (the bus stop / cafe sequence where Miranda writes a song).
GRADE: B-/B
May 29, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Thing Called Love examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Peter Bogdanovich brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1993, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Thing Called Love took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $14.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2339 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1993, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Thing Called Love shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Nashville, which focuses more on action than character development, The Thing Called Love subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Prairie Home Companion and Country Gold explore similar territory, The Thing Called Love stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 27, 1993
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Budget: $14,000,000
- Revenue: $1,029,721
