Shy People (1987)

67% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(377 ratings)

Writer Jill Clayburgh wants to remove her coke-addicted daughter Martha Plimpton from the corruptive environs of Manhattan. When assigned to write an article about family trees, Clayburgh, with daughter in tow, heads to the bayous of Louisiana, there to seek out an elusive great-uncle--and, it is… More Writer Jill Clayburgh wants to remove her coke-addicted daughter Martha Plimpton from the corruptive environs of Manhattan. When assigned to write an article about family trees, Clayburgh, with daughter in tow, heads to the bayous of Louisiana, there to seek out an elusive great-uncle--and, it is hoped, to give Plimpton a new start in life. Upon their arrival in the deep south, Clayburgh and Plimpton are confronted with the uncle's rugged, iron-willed wife Barbara Hershey and her four grown sons. The anticipated culture clash results in tragedy for all concerned. Wavering between the plausible and the outrageous, Shy People makes for fascinating, almost mesmerizing viewing. Released late in 1987 to qualify for the Academy Awards, the film was given a general release in mid-1988. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Andrey Konchalovskiy
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 1, 1987 Wide
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
Barbara Hershey is extraordinary.
Blake Davis, KFOR Channel 4 News
A film full of atomsphere so thick that it catches you up in it's spell.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

barbara hersey is far better then the movie

Cast

            Jill Clayburgh as Diana Sullivan

            Barbara Hershey as Ruth Sullivan

            Martha Plimpton as Grace Sullivan

            Merritt Butrick as Mike Sullivan

            John Philbin as Tommy Sullivan

            Don Swayze as Mark Sullivan

            Pruitt Taylor Vince as Paul Sullvian

            Michael Audley as Louie

            Brad Leland as Larry

            Paul Landry as Henry

            Dominic Barto as Chief

            Warren Battiste as Dick

            Vladimir Bibic as Welder

            Edward Bunker as Chuck

            Tony Epper as Jake

            Phyllis Guerrini as Margo

            Jack McGee as Cab Driver

            David Petitjean as Sheriff

            Cheryl Starbuck as Stewardess

            Mare Winningham as Candy

            Greg Guirard as Man

            Claire Acerno as Stewardess

            David Avne as Policeman

            J. Larry McGill as Black Man

            Jack Radosta as Pal #1

            Ernest Tan as Vietnamese Pimp

            Ronn Wright as Policeman

            William Anderson as Policeman
See full cast