Desert Hearts (1985) Reviews

Desert Hearts (1985)
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Director Donna Deitch makes a strong impression in her first feature film, a simple story of a lesbian love affair, based on Jane Rule's 1964 novel Desert of the Heart. Helen Shaver stars as Vivian Bell, an uptight 35-year-old Columbia University professor who travels to Reno to get a divorce. She arrives in Reno on her way to Frances Parker's (Audra Lindley) ranch, where she is staying to establish six weeks of residency in order to obtain the divorce. Once at the ranch, Vivian catches the fancy of Frances's adopted daughter Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), a casino worker ten years younger than herself. Vivien tries to remain unruffled as Cay makes unabashed overtures to her. Cay thinks that all Vivian needs is the love of another woman, and soon enough the two are in each other's arms. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Helen Shaver, Patricia Charbonneau, (more)
Director(s):
Donna Deitch
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(14 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Laurie R.

Originally released in 1985, this is one of the first mainstream lesbian themed films made and is based on the classic 'Desert of the Heart' by Jane Rule. I thought they did an excellent job considering the small budget they had to work with and I loved the 1950's era which was captured well. They did deviate from the book a bit, especially with the ending which I thought was the weakest part of the film. This may not be a true 5 star film, but it brings back such memories for me that I had to pad it a bit for sentiments sake. All in all, it's a good film and definitely worth a watch. I also reccomend the book as a good summer read that takes the story a bit deeper as most books do. Enjoy.

Yes   |   No


ALLEN W.

Wonderful movie for people who enjoy a good romantic movie without alot of hollywood. A more realistic type here.

Yes   |   No


Kathy B.

I loved the characters and how they interacted. They were honest and well suited for their parts in the movie. The ending paralleled that in The Continental Divide. Well worth watching.

Yes   |   No


Queen L.

A sweet flick with a hot lesbian and a bunch of other interesting personalities, (Royal Tenenbaums style) the movie was like a really nice quickie, you get some laughs, some kicks, a little steam and then it all ends. What will she do? What will she choose? Note:Patricia Charbonneau in short shorts and cowboy boots CIAO"""" Super hot!!!!!!!

Yes   |   No


Jennifer T.

lesbian All The Way.

Yes   |   No


Michael S.

Interesting look at the 1950's and the prejuidice against gays and lesbians...also the attitude towards women is apparent too.

Yes   |   No


SANDRA H.

GREAT MOVIE FOR THE OPEN MINDED PERSON

Yes   |   No


Abbe A.

I saw this when it first came out and remembered it fondly. It holds up well. The performances are excellent and the 50's atmosphere is true to life. The music of the era nicely compliments the action and sentiment of the film. Very enjoyable.

Yes   |   No


James D.

HOT lesbian scene and certainly groundbreaking in addressing the subject so directly...but oh that acting and dialogue :(

Yes   |   No


Jim S.

It was just "OK". I enjoyed the way it evoked a special place and time (i.e, Reno in the late 1950's). But the plot was pretty cliche' and predictable, and the acting at times was horribly stiff, flat, and just plain bad. At the end I found myself saying "who cares?" about what happened afterwards. Yeah, it's about that engaging. It's an ok timekiller if you really just want something for movie night with the grrrrrlls, but I wouldn't put it on the top of the list. On the bright side, it won't offend any lesbian sensitivies at least.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (14)
     
    Laurie R.

    Originally released in 1985, this is one of the first mainstream lesbian themed films made and is based on the classic 'Desert of the Heart' by Jane Rule. I thought they did an excellent job considering the small budget they had to work with and I loved the 1950's era which was captured well. They did deviate from the book a bit, especially with the ending which I thought was the weakest part of the film. This may not be a true 5 star film, but it brings back such memories for me that I had to pad it a bit for sentiments sake. All in all, it's a good film and definitely worth a watch. I also reccomend the book as a good summer read that takes the story a bit deeper as most books do. Enjoy.

    Yes   |   No

     
    ALLEN W.

    Wonderful movie for people who enjoy a good romantic movie without alot of hollywood. A more realistic type here.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Kathy B.

    I loved the characters and how they interacted. They were honest and well suited for their parts in the movie. The ending paralleled that in The Continental Divide. Well worth watching.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 14 Reviews
       

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