Synopsis
While waiting for her divorce papers, a repressed literature professor finds herself unexpectedly attracted by a carefree, spirited young woman named Cay.
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Cast
- Helen ShaverVivian Bell
- Patricia CharbonneauCay Rivvers
- Audra LindleyFrances Parker
- Andra AkersSilver Dale
- Dean ButlerDarrell
- Gwen WellesGwen
- James StaleyArt Warner
- Katie La BourdetteLucille
- Alex McArthurWalter
- Tyler TyhurstBuck
Recommendations
- 88
Slant Magazine
It advocates risk and consciousness as the only means to overcome the cold, repressive hand of so-called normative thought. - 88
Chicago Tribune
The story is not sensationalistic, although its love scene could not be more emotional. It`s a gentle story of someone being brought in from the cold. - 80
Washington Post
This is an astonishingly polished and nuanced first film. It deserves to be celebrated, not quibbled with. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
Though not without problems, Desert Hearts is a triumph for director Donna Deitch and an inspiration for any independent filmmaker. - 70
Time Out
Deitch is well served by Shaver as the teacher and Charbonneau as the young seducer. Best of all, however, is the way the movie dignifies all its characters. - 63
Chicago Sun-Times
I might have enjoyed Desert Hearts more if it had been more subtle and observant about the two women. It might have been a better movie if it had been about discovery instead of seduction. - 60
The New York Times
Desert Hearts has no voice or style of its own. It's as flat as a recorded message from the telephone company. - 60
Variety
Helen Shaver, playing the lead, does a most commendable job as a character who starts by being all tied up inside, and ends up by melting and opening up to emotions she couldn’t even conceive before.
