Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

There is something about Danny DeVito that is sexy, charming and so sweet in the movie Living Out Loud. I have no idea whether it is a thing for balding middle-aged men or perhaps I lost my contacts and the room was a bit blurry. Needless to say I adore this film.

The premise is a worn out theme in a married woman’s life. The story line is a beautiful middle-aged woman who has been lied to, cheated on and manipulated by her successful husband. Although I have never been divorced I have had my shares of marital woes. Ups and downs like any marriage would. I assure you any woman married for any length of time will recognize certain scenes in this film as if it was their own depiction of a marriage. This film depicts the life of a divorced woman through all the stages. From denial, anger and acceptance we find ourselves entranced by the life of Judith Nelson played so wonderfully by Holly Hunter. I have seen all her films from the simplistic to the complex in The Piano, and she never disappoints. We are there to witness the coming apart of a marriage, but the renewal of spirit. In essence this film is an uplifting film in that it shows the reassurance of the self. So many women will identify with the lies and damage that an affair will have on a marriage. Those who are divorced will recognize the anger involved in letting go of a life fantasy, a Cinderella story gone badly. The need for love and affection, the dependence on others, the coming of age in maturity and the acceptance of going solo in a world that is built upon relationships is cleverly portrayed in this film.

. Judy Nelson finds herself hopelessly lost in a life built upon lies and deception from a two timing husband. We see the world from her eyes only. The director cleverly uses flashbacks to whip our minds back and forth from reality to fantasy.

Danny Devito plays an apartment elevator operator that is basically a free spirit in search for love and happiness. He finds this compassion in Judith Nelson. The two of them are not like two peas in a pod. Judy, wealthy and living in a fifth avenue complex is so unlike the poker playing Danny Devito. The one common factor that drives them together is the need to find oneself and the need for friendship in troubled times.

Queen Latifah plays a cameo role in the film, but adds so much more. Her voice is pure black velvet, oozing blue notes into the theme of the film. There are many nightclub scenes that give an audience to her music. There is also a very erotic dance floor scene that sets the celluloid on fire.

Do you shut the film and cry salty tears? Absolutely not. I relish in the thought that there is a better life for people like Judith Nelson. She exhibits a coming to terms with the single life. A life that is changed and perhaps holds a better future.

I highly recommend this film and if you enjoy Holly Hunter as much as I do, I also hope you grab a copy of The Piano while you are at the video store.




Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age