To Die For **** (1995, Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Illeana Douglas, Casey Affleck) – Classic Movie Review 346

In 1995 Nicole Kidman landed what was then her best role to date and grabbed it by the throat in Buck Henry’s screenplay based on a novel by Joyce Maynard.

Kidman plays Suzanne Stone, a psychotic TV weather girl, consumed by ambition and determined to do anything, even kill, to succeed. Kidman marries nice bloke Larry Maretto (Matt Dillon), but then, when he gets in her way, she seduces teenager Jimmy Emmett (Joaquin Phoenix) into helping her murder Dillon.

Director Gus Van Sant handles this sleek, sparkling black comedy and incisive media satire with great aplomb. Dillon does well in an unusual part for him and Illeana Douglas is excellent, too, as his sister Janice.

Buck Henry also has a role, and the vintage mid-90s cast includes a young Casey Affleck, Alison Folland, Dan Hedaya, Wayne Knight, Kurtwood Smith, Holland Taylor, Maria Tucci, David Cronenberg, George Segal, Tim Hopper, Michael Rispoli, Gerry Quigley, Ron Gabriel and Rain Phoenix.

With a 15 certificate in the UK, it’s adult material with swearing, violence, simulated sex and drug use.

© Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Movie Review 346

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