Lianna *** (1983, Linda Griffiths, Jane Hallaren, Jon DeVries) – Classic Movie Review 7672

Writer-director John Sayles’s 1983 drama Lianna looks at the life of troubled 30something woman Lianna (Linda Griffiths), unhappily married to arrogant Dick (JohnDeVries), and her growing sexual and loving attraction to a female teacher friend Ruth (Jane Hallaren).

Sayles tackles his lesbian subject boldly, sensitively and with intelligence as always, providing his actors with sharp, witty dialogue and roles that smack of real situations. The material is slight but the performances and writing make it worthwhile.

Sayles was criticised in 1983 as not being a woman and therefore unable to direct a lesbian story (as Steven Spielberg was with the 1985 The Color Purple), but his careful, sensitive handling justifies his enterprise. Sayles gives himself an acting role, as usual, as Jerry.

Also in the cast are Jo Henderson, Jesse Solomon, Jessica Wright MacDonald, Maggie Renzi, Stephen Mendillo and Nancy Mette.

Sayles is credited as writer, producer, director and editor.

It was made for very little – $300,000 – and earned well, $1,500,000 in the US.

See also the 1985 Desert Hearts.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7672

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