A small indie film with only one star/actor I recognize, Oscar Winner Louse Fletcher who played Nurse Ratchid in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest also starring Jack Nicholson at his most provocative best.
ANYHOO! BiG EDEN tells the tale of a 30 something homosexual, male writer returning for a week to his small town roots. From this seemingly nothing of a premise develops the most satisfying story of day to day life somewhere in the American hinterlands. More unusual, this tiny American community is actually tolerant of pretty well everything and everybody. It's a bit of a fable, I will admit, but one I would personally welcome as reality, making our world a Utopia, of sorts, where differences don't matter regardless what they are.
This small budget film works so well as we have an assortment of actors who can deliver strong performances all round. The film introduces us to every conceivable type character and situation. Most important, however, I was able to take it all in stride, as the most "normal" of realities. Big Eden has HEART, something proven by the local gentry who want the good life or a teeny, small piece of the American dream for everyone.
Without becoming a sappy, over-sentimentalized tale, the film relates several wonderful stories that somehow all interlock. There is no road to full contentment in this EDEN feature as we meet obstacles galore and much unhappiness like any other place in the world. The citizens struggle and, if necessary, grin and bear it. It's what we all should be doing instead of moping around complaining of our lot in life.
What truly made me relish this film a great deal and watch it on three separate occasions is the lessons it imparts, the most important being that of love. Love is not a cure-all, but it is one hell of a wonderful feeling and way to live. Big Eden isn't the most profound film made, but that made not an iota of difference to me. The movie had its various permutations and combinations on almost everything. One never knew exactly where the film was taking you as twists and turns recur as in any individual life or community. We can't even guess the final outcome as matters are so up in the air for the main players. What a warm, soothing film on life, not that everything is grassy green and smooth sailing, but because it imparts what and how life should be. I'd like to see Big Eden once again and soon, a fourth viewing and maybe a record for me!
There is a problem with your e-mail address and we are unable to communicate with you. Please go to My Account to update your email.
Please choose a username to sign your comments. Only letters, digits, dash - or period. Minimum 4 characters.
Your age and sex:
We publish all comments, except abusive, at our discretion.