The Opposite of Sex Review
by "Scott J. Promish" (scottjp AT concentric DOT net)October 2nd, 1998
THE OPPOSITE OF SEX (1998)
A film review by Scott J. Promish
© 1998
Anyone who had any doubts that Christina Ricci would ever throw off her innocent, family film persona will have the issue cleared up for them in just the first few minutes of THE OPPOSITE OF SEX, when she’s seen in front of a mirror, teasing her nipples hard in order to make a stronger impression at her stepfather’s funeral.
DeDee Truitt is a sixteen year-old girl with a void where her heart should be. Contemptuous of everyone and everything, she leaves her mother in Louisiana after the funeral and heads for her half-brother Bill’s house in Indiana. With a body that could apparently turn a gay man straight, she seduces Bill’s live-in boyfriend, tells him that he’s gotten her pregnant, runs off with him, and subsequently turns the lives of everyone involved upside-down.
A highly talented and charismatic young actress who made even films like CASPER and GOLD DIGGERS watchable, Ricci’s career took a sudden and promising turn in 1997’s THE ICE STORM. She doesn’t seem to have stopped since. Her character is experienced, smart and knowledgeable – if not mature – beyond her years, and well suited to her skills. It’s the ironic and droll part she plays so well, and you can see it as far back as the ADDAMS FAMILY films.
Martin Donovan (AMATEUR, NADJA) has a mostly subdued role as “softy” Bill: quiet, but not ineffective. Lisa Kudrow will surprise many by throwing off her “ditz” image (‘Friends’, ROMY & MICHELLE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION) as the wise and critical Lucia, sister of Bill’s former, deceased boyfriend.
The film also deserves credit for not serving up the typical gay male stereotype that marred films like JEFFREY.
About halfway through, the hilarious, biting satire gives way to a more serious tone. I found the change in pace ever so slightly disappointing, but only because I loved what had come before so much. Great performances and excellent writing (from Don Roos - SINGLE WHITE FEMALE – who also directed) make this one of the best films I’ve seen so far this year.
[Review written 7/14/98]
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