I loved this film. It is one of those films that I began watching when I was sleepy. Five minutes into the film, I was wide awake.
First, I had never heard of Tom Ziegler ever in my life. I am not likely to forget the name now. This play that he wrote is tender, well developed and well written.
Films on geriatrics have never raked in dollars. I loved Paul Mazursky's "Harry and Tonto" which was not so serious as this film. I loved "Driving Miss Daisy" as well. I would classify "Grace and Glorie" right alongside these films. Indian cinema has made two notable films on similar themes Prema Karanth's "Phaniyamma" in Kannada and another film called "36, Chowringhee Lane". In France, there was this wonderful film called "Le Chat" or the cat, with Simone Signoret.
What was great about this film apart from the play was the immaculate performance of Gena Rowlands and a noteworthy performance by Diane Lane. Both are stage actresses, or at least have stage experience and hence takes to the play like ducks to water.
But Ms Rowlands is outstanding. I loved her performance in "Gloria" as a feisty gangster woman. Now here she is playing a dying terminally ill lady. The range of her performances is fascinating. She is truly one of America's greatest actresses. She probably would have not been so good if she had spent her career pursuing mainstream cinema roles--but apparently she chose to act in husband Cassavettes' movies and some off-beat movies like this one.
The director of the movie and the camera-work are not outstanding but quite well-done. But my kudos for the perfect casting.
