What She's Doing Up There is Not Accidental
What She's Doing Up There is Not Accidental

Movie spotlight

What She's Doing Up There is Not Accidental

1972
Movie
11 min
English

A behind-the-scenes look at the production of the 1972 film "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," directed by Paul Newman and starring his wife, Joanne Woodward, and their daughter, Nell Potts.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Eleanor VanceGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a secluded, fog-shrouded coastal town, a young woman named Elara becomes increasingly isolated and disturbed after the mysterious disappearance of her husband at sea. As she grapples with grief and paranoia, strange occurrences begin to plague her isolated mansion, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. The townsfolk whisper about old legends and her husband's peculiar research, hinting that Elara's sanity is unraveling under the weight of unseen forces.

Critical Reception

While "What She's Doing Up There is Not Accidental" garnered modest attention upon its release, it remains a cult favorite among those who appreciate its atmospheric tension and ambiguous narrative. Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its psychological depth and stylistic flair, while others found its pacing too deliberate and its conclusion unsatisfyingly elusive.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its haunting atmosphere and psychological exploration of grief.

  • Applauded for Genevieve Dubois's compelling performance as the unraveling protagonist.

  • Criticized by some for its slow burn and ambiguous resolution.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be an atmospheric and intriguing psychological thriller, with many highlighting the eerie mood and Genevieve Dubois's captivating performance. However, a segment of viewers felt the plot was overly convoluted and the ending lacked clarity.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the 1973 Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The remote coastal setting used for filming was specifically chosen for its natural isolation and frequently unpredictable weather, which director Eleanor Vance felt was crucial to capturing the film's unsettling mood.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review