Intersection (1994)

The best line in "Intersection" is spoken by a kind farmer delivering milk to a general store in the Pacific Northwest. The main character Vincent Eastman (Richard Gere) is standing outside the store, and the old farmer asks him, "Are you lost?" That question is a capsule of the life of a gifted architect, who is a deeply troubled human being. Indeed, he is lost from start to finish in this turgid melodrama.There are two women in the life of Eastman that figure prominently in that fateful question asked by the farmer. The first is Sally Eastman (Sharon Stone), the daughter of the head of the architectural firm when Vincent became a superstar. Sally is the "planner," and Vincent is the "creator" in their work and evidently in their marriage. But it was never really clear what drove a wedge into their relationship. The only clue weare given is that Vincent began an affair that came as a complete shock to Sally when she first learned about it. The affair apparently destroyed the marriage.The "other woman" is Olivia Marshak (Lolita Davidovich), a witty columnist, who begins her fateful affair with the married architect after they met by chance at an auction. In many ways, Olivia is the most sympathetic character in the film. She is completely humiliated when she shows up unannounced at the opening of a new museum designed by Vincent. Sally is present with her new male paramour and daughter. Yet Vincent humiliates Olivia and even physically abuses her for daring to appear uninvited in the presence of his ex-spouse.The beautiful cinematography of Seattle and Vancouver is contrasted with the tawdry moments of the love triangle. Some moments are downright comical, such as the long-winded phone message left for Olivia by Vincent, where he proclaims with manic energy that he wants to marry her and have babies. Of course, the marriage certificate and the progeny will solve all of his problems and take away his sense of being "lost"!In addition to interpersonal relations skills, Vincent really needs to work on his driving. Buckle up for safety and respect the Canadian speed limits, Vince! For her performance as Sally, Sharon Stone received a Stinker award. That moniker is a good one for the film as a whole.

A Soft Thriller with its Heart Beating to the Rhythm of Relationships, Choices, and Time Ticking away the Moments that make up Our Lives with Regards to the most Personal.Richard Gere in a Stunning and Thoughtful Portrayal of a Successful Professional that has Women Issues. Sharon Stone (Wife) and Lolita Davidovich (Girl Friend) are the Women. Director Mark Rydell Intersects the Collision Course with some Stylish Turns not usually Associated with "Chick-Flicks". It makes the Movie more Accessible for "Dudes" that Stay Away from the Genre.The Music is Memorable and the many uses of Flashbacks Reveal just Enough to add to the Intrigue. The Ending is also Twisty and Touching. A Good Effort all around and its Heart-String Pulling is not as Expected as You would Think.Overall, a Movie that is usually Panned and Not Considered the Best for Gere and Stone. Maybe a Reconsideration is in Order, because it is a Film that will Linger and is Better than its Reputation.

I thought this film was quite good, not slow or dull by any means. It's as solid and entertaining as most "top rated" modern films of similar genre. Maybe a bit too subtle for some people? There seems to be a problem with shortening attention spans.There is a well controlled air of the unknown through the whole thing. The rain-soaked scenery is compelling, the acting is realistic and the final sequence is powerfully done. You never quite know what's going to happen, which to me makes a good film.Did it get bad press before it was even released? I think people sometimes go in with a bias that has no explanation. Theaters themselves can spoil movies by way of unruly viewers and other distractions. Just going to the wrong place on the wrong night can give a movie a bad rep. Get a big screen TV or projector and tune all that out.

Whadaya know: if you're skidding headlong into a death-tastic car accident, and you happen to be Richard Gere, your life *does* flash before your eyes – well, your *love* life, at least. If you're Richard Gere. Almost a Chick-Flick version of "Memento", as Vincent (Gere) reminiscences back through his life of juggling his lover (writer Lolita Davidovich), with his ex-wife (business partner Sharon Stone), adoring daughter, and a successful architectural profession. The plot hinges on who Vincent will choose as his life's love. Weaved throughout are scenes of a unique clock (which Vincent bought for his lover), with a ball-bearing winding mechanism which tilts one way and then the other, metaphorically mirroring Vincent's indecision.The body of the movie, consisting of scattered vignettes, is rife with clues as to which of the two women would be his ultimate choice: Stone's architectural planner (who, in her most passionate moments with Vincent, exuded a clinical iciness that he chose not to perceive due to her social positioning and surface charms), or Lolita's columnist (independent, yet clutching at Vincent for primacy of attention).His moment of clarity, alas, comes too late. But no matter - he's Richard Gere!(Movie Maniacs, visit: www.poffysmoviemania.com)