Passion Fish (1992)

100% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
78% of users liked it
(2,586 ratings)

With his trademark emphasis on character development and dialogue, writer/director John Sayles tells the story of May-Alice Culhane (Mary McDonnell), a New York soap opera actress left paralyzed by a car accident. As the film opens, she lies in a hospital bed, confused and scared, watching her own… More With his trademark emphasis on character development and dialogue, writer/director John Sayles tells the story of May-Alice Culhane (Mary McDonnell), a New York soap opera actress left paralyzed by a car accident. As the film opens, she lies in a hospital bed, confused and scared, watching her own show on TV and shrieking, "That was supposed to be my closeup!" With no other options, she returns to her family's old and empty Southern home, where she drinks hard, offends every caregiver, and wallows in self-pity. Her outlook begins to changes with the arrival of Chantelle (Alfre Woodard), a nurse with her own life problems. The two gradually find a heartfelt connection with one another, and, as a result, their lives subtly change. McDonnell's work in Passion Fish earned her an Oscar nomination as Best Actress. ~ Norm Schrager, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 16 min.
Directed By: John Sayles
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 11, 1992 Wide
On DVD: Mar 30, 1999
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A tightly-focused narrative about interior struggles and unexpected changes, the film is a cynical anti-Reagan story about monetary success and class distinctions, a political fable about female survivors.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Compelling film about two women whose spiritual transformation is precipitated by illness.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
The picture is sure-footed and accomplished and, to this point, the auteur's most satisfying marriage of head and heart.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
McDonnell makes it work, with the help of Sayles' wonderful script.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

I really DIDN'T think I was going to like this film, and I ended up REALLY liking it. And if I ever audition for anything, I'm totally using the "I didn't ask for the anal probe" monologue too.
jay n

stick with it and this film is very rewarding
Alec B

Its remarkable that a film about a recently crippled woman, who returns to her Louisiana hometown, and is subsequently cared for by a black woman who was a former drug addict never even comes close to being cheesy or feel like a one of those stupid lifetime movies. I owe that to John… More
Its remarkable that a film about a recently crippled woman, who returns to her Louisiana hometown, and is subsequently cared for by a black woman who was a former drug addict never even comes close to being cheesy or feel like a one of those stupid lifetime movies. I owe that to John Sayles who allows the characters to drive the story. Mary McDonnell is one of the most underrated actresses alive and she gives a brilliant performance as the former Soap star who now must cope with life as a paraplegic. Alfre Woodard, who is ironically known for doing a lot of Hallmark movies, is surprisingly restrained as the nurse. The film hardly ever enters cliche' territory. What I really loved was at the end, both characters have grown considerably, but neither one has any real clue about the future.
Stephen E

The first fifteen minutes or so of "Passion Fish" are misleading, as the film eventually develops into something great. McDonnell and Woodard both deliver powerful performances and Sayles' script is intricate and complex and features character that are incredibly… More
The first fifteen minutes or so of "Passion Fish" are misleading, as the film eventually develops into something great. McDonnell and Woodard both deliver powerful performances and Sayles' script is intricate and complex and features character that are incredibly well-developed. "Passion Fish" doesn't start off grand, but the film that it becomes is worth being talked about.
Anthony V

Another great John Sayles film.

Cast

            Mary McDonnell as Mary-Alice Culhane

            Alfre Woodard as Chantelle

            David Strathairn as Rennie

            Vondie Curtis-Hall as Sugar LeDoux

            Nora Dunn as Ti-Marie

            Sheila Kelley as Kim

            Angela Bassett as Dawn/Rhonda

            Leo Burmeister as Reeves

            Mary Portser as Precious

            Shauntisa Willis as Denita

            Michael Laskin as Redwood Vance

            Brett Ardoin as 2nd Therapist

            Lenore Banks as Nurse Quick

            Chuck Cain as Attendant

            Amanda Carlin as Perky

            Linda Castle as Lawanda

            Daniel Dupont as Therapist

            Victoria Edwards as Jessica

            Jennifer Gardner as Albertine

            Lee Anne Harris as Kit

            Paula Lafleur as Fan #2

            William Mahoney as Max

            Michael Mantell as Dr. Kline

            Nancy Mette as Nina

            Marianne Muellerleile as Drushka

            ShanaLedet Qualls as 1st Fan

            Nelle Stokes as 1st Therapist

            Elaine West as Phoebe

            Maggie Renzi as Louise

            Tom Wright as Luther

            Barbara Hewson Shapiro
            
            John Henry Redwood as Dr. Blades

            Leo Burmester
            
            Will Mahoney
            
See full cast