Leaving Normal
Darly, a waitress with a past that's weighing her down, decides to drive to Alaska to try and come to terms with her unfortunate history. Along the way, she meets Marianne, an impulsive young woman leaving an abusive relationship. The two hit the road together and keep driving north, bonding over the hardships that they have endured and meeting a number of eccentric characters as they get closer to their destination.
Insights
Plot Summary
Marianne is a woman in her late 50s whose life has been controlled by her husband. After he dies, she decides to pursue a new life and begins a journey of self-discovery. She encounters a younger woman named Cheryl, and together they embark on a road trip across the country, facing various challenges and meeting different people. Their journey is one of independence, friendship, and finding one's own path.
Critical Reception
Leaving Normal received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of Joanne Woodward and Lindsay Crouse, and the film's exploration of female independence, others found the plot to be predictable and somewhat formulaic. Audience reception was also divided, with some appreciating the emotional core and others finding it lacking in depth.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for the strong performances of its lead actresses.
- Criticized for a predictable narrative arc.
- Acknowledged for its themes of female empowerment and self-discovery.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's message of independence and the performances, particularly from Joanne Woodward. However, some felt the story was too conventional and lacked a certain spark.
Fun Fact
The film was originally developed with Barbra Streisand attached to direct and star, but she eventually departed the project.
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