“Desert Hearts,” directed by Donna Deitch, opens in Reno, Nevada in 1959. The film, which is based on a current by Jane Rule, tells the fable of Vivian (played by Helen Shaver), a prim-and-proper college professor who has reach to Nevada to salvage a divorce. There she meets Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), a lusty, free-spirited casino worker. The relationship between these two attractive women is the focus of the film.

“Desert Hearts” is a unbelievable film. It’s very erotic, tender, and intriguing. The women’s narrative is complemented by favorable production values and effective expend of period music. The performances are apt all around. The leads are backed by a big supporting cast; Audra Lindley is particularly great in a zesty, touching performance as Cay’s stepmother. But it’s the mighty chemistry between Shaver and Charbonneau which ultimately drives the film. Every scene between them is one to be savored.

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21.05.12

Question: How did this come about for you? Were you approached about doing this role?

JULIETTE LEWIS: Yes, exactly. This came my way, and I was not looking to do a TV series, but there were several things I thought was interesting. So, I took a meeting on it. I said, “Why not?” I was just open to all kinds of new things. I had been touring forever and was starting to make movies again, and I liked the simple fact that it was from John Grisham. I was hoping that it retained some of the suspense that he’s known for, but I knew it was going to be a completely different thing, on its own, ‘cause it’s series television. So, I met with the creator and the producers.

What stood out about this story and character for you?

LEWIS: I love the character of Tammy. I like that Holly Hunter played her in the movie. I relate to her, as an actress, even though I’m doing my own thing. And, I like that it’s an ensemble. I actually would not want the pressure of a lead in a series. I want to do other things, like make more music and make films, on the hiatus. So, the pilot was really good. It was a page-turner. It was really well written. And then, what sealed the deal was Josh Lucas and the fact that he was the lead. I thought, “This is a really good role for him.” I talked to the show creator, Lukas Reiter, for several hours because, when you do work like this, I have no idea what each episode is going to be, so I have to be up for it all. I do what I always try to do, which is to make something come to life, by making it multi-layered and human and real, even though this is formulaic genre television. We’re trying to create a thriller with the core of the central characters who are all a family that have been in witness protection together, so there’s a bit of an incestuous working relationship. [ Via: Collider.com | Read more... ]