Synopsis
A poor, struggling South Carolinian mother and daughter face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer and farther apart: Anney sees Glen as her last chance.
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Cast
- Jennifer Jason LeighAnney Boatwright
- Ron EldardGlen Waddell
- Glenne HeadlyAunt Ruth
- Lyle LovettWade
- Jena MaloneRuth Anne 'Bone' Boatwright
- Dermot MulroneyLyle Parsons
- Christina RicciDee Dee
- Michael RookerUncle Earle
- Diana ScarwidAunt Raylene
- Susan TraylorAlma
Recommendations
- 90
Variety
The pic is a quality item earmarked for serious auds by its nonexploitative handling of potent material, the strong work of debuting helmer Anjelica Huston and striking perfs from young newcomer Jena Malone, Jennifer Jason Leigh and others. - 88
USA Today
Huston's movie seems to disappoint some who've read the novel, but the forlorn humanity that triumphs over the depravity and poverty is unforgettably affecting. [13 Dec 1996, p.1D] - 80
Los Angeles Times
First-time director Anjelica Huston's frightening film about child abuse is a jolt. And be forewarned: The violence is brutal and the molestation and rape scenes of a child are repugnant. [15 Dec 1996, p.3] - 75
San Francisco Examiner
Huston manages to bring the unavoidable brutality of this story to the screen without seeming exploitative. And she gets good performances out of Malone, Leigh and Eldard. Glenne Headly gives a great performance as Leigh's saintly sister. - 75
Boston Globe
Huston's direct style and subtle touch keep Bastard from becoming a sociological treatise. Not for a moment can we forget that these are people hurting people. [13 Dec 1996, p.C28] - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
Huston films the horrifying assault scenes to provoke disgust, outrage, fear and pity. She doesn't flinch. She refuses to soften the situation. Her Carolina is painful to watch. It's meant to be. [13 Dec 1996, p.65nc] - 75
Chicago Tribune
The genetic seeds of John Huston's gift are manifest in his daughter's direction of Carolina. Despite its sorrowful subject, Bastard Out of Carolina offers the deep satisfaction of material that rings true. [15 Dec 1996, p.5] - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
The movie is directed by Anjelica Huston, and like a lot of actors who direct, Huston shows an ability to elicit strong emotions from her actors. But Huston also demonstrates a sense of where to place the camera. [13 Dec 1996, p.C1]
