MermaidsMermaids

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

MermaidsMermaids was filmed in 1990 and was directed by Patrick Palmer. It tells the story of Mrs Flax (Cher)and her two daughters Charlotte Flax (Winona Ryder) and Kate Flax (Christina Ricci)

Mrs Flax is an outlandish mother of two, who is insensitive to her daughters needs. The Flax's constantly move around the country because Mrs Flax gets to involved with a man and then it all goes wrong. On the last count they have moved 18 times!

Charlotte Flax is about 15 years old and is embarrassed by her mothers nature. Charlotte is fascinated by the Roman Catholic Church and aspires to be a catholic, even though she is a Jew!

Mrs Flax’s other daughter Kate is about ten years old and dreams of being a world champion swimmer. The opening scene of the movie shows Kate swimming in a competition and later on she attempts to break the world record for holding your breath under water (in the bath), she misses by just a few seconds!

The story is told by Charlotte and follows her view of her mothers escapades. Charlotte is mainly frustrated by the fact that they are always having to move around the country because of Mrs Flax's failing relationships. Charlotte is generally fed up with changing schools and not having any friends. However this all seems to change when they move to Massachusetts and Charlotte falls in love with Joe (Michael Schoeffling) who is sought of a handyman at the local Roman Catholic Convent which is near to the Flax's new house. After kissing Joe Charlotte is convinced that she is pregnant!!

One person I haven't mentioned yet is Lou (Bob Hoskins) who owns the shoe store in Massachusetts. Lou and Mrs Flax immediately get along and soon start seeing each other. The story continues with Mrs Flax who is unwilling to get married or give any real commitment to Lou.

At the climax of the film Kate becomes "quite merry" after Charlotte lets her have some wine and when Charlotte "commits sins of the flesh" with Joe in the convent bell tower(as you do!!) Kate is left alone by the nearby river, she falls in, luckily the nuns spot her and drags her out of the water now unconscious.........but don't panic she fully recovers in hospital over the following weeks. At the end of the film we see the Flax's moving house but taking Lou with them.

WHO'S IN IT?

Actor/ActressCharacter
Christina RicciKate Flax
CherMrs. Flax
Bob HoskinsLou Landsky
Winona RyderCharlotte Flax
Michael SchoefflingJoe
Jan MinerMother Superior
Caroline McWilliamsCarrie
Betsey TownsendMary O'Brien
Richard McElvainMr. Crain
Paula PlumMrs. Crain

WHO HELPED MAKE IT?

RolePerson
ProducersLauren Lloyd - Wallis Nicita - Patrick Palmer
DirectorRichard Benjamin
ScreenwriterJune Roberts
EditorJacqueline Cambas
Production designerStuart Wurtzel
CinematographerHoward Atherton
ComposerJack Nitzsche

ANY OTHER FACTS?

Year Made1990
Length (min)111
Where was it made?USA
MPAA (USA)PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned
Rating (UK)15 Years or over only
Formats AvailableVideo and laser disc



Mermaids

REVIEWS


Virgin "What's on Video" Review


Rating Given: Equivalent to "OK"

Mrs Flax is sexy, free-spirited and a sucker for every new man in town, with a habit of moving every time a love affair goes wrong. Is the little town of East Port really ready for her? Add two confused daughters who get no practical help from Mom when they've got a problem, and a gentle shoe-shop owner called Lou who wants to settle down and you have the perfect recipe for chaos!

Abstract from "The Complete Guide To What's On Video 1994/95"


Elliots Guide To Films On Video


Rating Given: Equivalent to "good to very good"

This quirky comedy is set in the early 1960s, with Cher playing an eccentric women, who constantly moves home with her two daughters whenever she gets too involved with a man. A severe embarrassment to her older teenaged girl, she finally falls for a show salesman in a small New England town. but only after her daughter has given her a much-needed push. An endearing blend of comedy and drama, both amusing and touching.

Abstract from "Elliots Guide To Films On Video 1993"

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