THE PLAY'S THE THING

A Video Review of "Nuts"

Copyright 2003 Glenn Walker

This Barbra Streisand production of the Tom Topor play is often overlooked as just another Streisand vehicle but it's actually quite a good film.

Barbra Streisand plays a high price call girl accused of manslaughter and Richard Dreyfuss is her reluctant public defender. The investigation and trial open old wounds and provide much drama. Fairly simple story with amazing acting.

At times it is suffocatingly like a play but it is also at those points that it shines. The chemistry between Richard Dreyfuss and Streisand is magic and powerful performance. Sadly when this piece doesn't feel like a play it seems forced and badly directed.

Nothing against director Martin Ritt but it should have kept its play presence. The flashbacks are the biggest offender. They tell the story, yes, but are sorely out of place.

Nuts is an astounding study of the difference between anger and madness and should not be missed.