The Morning After (2006)
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71% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
33% of users liked it
(2,534 ratings)
In this excellent thriller, crisply directed by Sidney Lumet, Alex Sternbergen (Jane Fonda), a washed-up, alcoholic actress who never quite made it, wakes up one morning in an unfamiliar, luxurious loft apartment, only to find the corpse of a stranger next to her in bed. Alex can remember nothing of… More In this excellent thriller, crisply directed by Sidney Lumet, Alex Sternbergen (Jane Fonda), a washed-up, alcoholic actress who never quite made it, wakes up one morning in an unfamiliar, luxurious loft apartment, only to find the corpse of a stranger next to her in bed. Alex can remember nothing of the night before. In a panic, she tries to flee but is unable to get a flight out of Los Angeles, and short of cash, she hitches a ride with Turner Kendall (Jeff Bridges), a disabled former policeman who happens to be fixing his car in the airport parking lot. Alex tries to get rid of Turner and returns to the loft which she cleans in a futile attempt to get rid of her finger prints. Turner continues to take an unappreciated interest in Alex and keeps turning up unexpectedly, much to her annoyance. Finally, desperate and on the run, and never sure that she didn't commit the murder, Alex allows Turner to help her. Alex also confides in and is helped by her ex-husband and friend Joaquin Manero (Raul Julia), the only man she completely trusts. Despite Alex's suspicion of Turner, she slowly falls in love with him. The movie quickly moves to a surprising conclusion, and creates a good deal of suspense, particularly when Alex is confronted with a corpse that just won't stay put. The highlight of the film is the performance by Jane Fonda reminiscent of her magnificent performance as Bree Daniels in Klute. The Morning After never rises to the quality of Klute, but Fonda's performance was strong enough to earn her an Oscar nomination. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi
- Directed By
- Sidney Lumet, Michael Kruzan
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1986 Wide
- Studio
- Lorimar Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The thriller is always looking for something that is missing and never finds it.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
As an alcoholic ex-actress, Jane Fonda gives a brilliant, Oscar-nominated peformance in Lumet's routine thriller set (for a change) in L.A.
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Dan Callahan, Slant Magazine
It's worth watching once for Fonda and Bridges.
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Dan Callahan, Slant Magazine
Sidney Lumet directs wearily; as a thriller, it's full of holes.
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Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
alternately insults you and makes no sense at all
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Jane Fonda
as Alex Sternbergen
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Jeff Bridges
as Turner Kendall
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Raul Julia
as Joaquin Manero
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Diane Salinger
as Isabel Harding
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Richard Foronjy
as Sgt. Greenbaum
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Geoffrey Scott
as Bobby Korshack
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James 'Gypsy' Haake
as Frankie
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Kathleen Wilhoite
as Red
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Don Hood
as Hurley
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Kathy Bates
as Woman on Mateo Street
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Fran Bennett
as Airline Clerk
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Frances Bergen
as Mrs. Harding
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Anne Betancourt
as Nurse
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Michael Flanagan
as Airline Supervisor
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Laurel Lyle
as Secretary
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Michael Prince
as Mr. Harding
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Rick Rossovich
as Detective
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Jose Santana
as Driver
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Sam Scarber
as Detective
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Bruce Vilanch
as Bartender
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Bob Minor
as Man
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Michael Zand
as Detective
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Drew Berman
as Detective
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Corinna Everson
as Miss Olympia
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George Howard
as Saxophonist
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Betty Lougaris
as Salon Customer
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Gladys Portugese
as Body Builder
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Patti Song
as Hairstylist
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George Fisher
as Cabbie
