LITTLE WOMEN. Directed by Gillian Armstrong; written by Robin Swicord; produced by Denise Di Novi for Columbia. Starring Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Christian Bale and Kirsten Dunst. Rated PG.
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Sometimes you see a movie that so perfectly creates its own universe that you not only believe in it, but feel that it welcomes you into it as well. Little Women is such a movie.
Every detail of its mid-19th century setting is perfect, but what makes it such an exceptional picture is the cast. Portraying characters that will be familiar to so many in the audience is no doubt a daunting prospect, but this ensemble has risen to the occasion.
The four March sisters, especially, are realized so vividly that it may be disconcerting to see these actresses in their next roles. And in addition to individual achievements, their interaction is delightful.
Ryder deserves special mention as the free-spirited Jo. I've always enjoyed her performances, from Beetlejuice to Age of Innocence, but this is her best one yet. Her energy and heart make her an extremely appealing and interesting character.
And it's worth mentioning here that the boys in the family need not shun Little Women, and might even enjoy it as much as their sisters. Jo's striving to find an expression for her special talents is a storyline all teenagers can identify with. And there are some interesting male characters in the movie as well, particularly Bale's engaging Laurie (nickname for Laurence).
For those moviegoers, like myself, who are only hazily familiar with the book, a little explanation is necessary in the way of a plot synopsis. The kind-hearted and hard-working Marmee (Susan Sarandon, in a more understated role than she is used to) is raising her four daughters alone in New England, while her husband is fighting in the Civil War.
Eventually the war ends and the girls grow up, each one finding a special place for herself in a world that will soon, but not too soon, become modern. And that's about it for the plot.
It's nothing short of amazing that director Armstrong and company have managed to make such compelling entertainment, in this age of the action picture, out of such an ordinary, simple story. But, trust me, they have. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer!
January 25, 1995