8
Thursday, November 19, 1987 / University Daily Kansan
Arts/Entertainment
Streisand shines in tension-packed drama
By J. L. WATSON Special to the Kansan
"Nuts" is a forthcoming film directed by Martin Ritt and starring Barbara Streisand and Richard Dreyfuss. Don't let the title fool you. I went into the theater not knowing anything about the content of the film. I expected a comedy. What I got was something completely un expected.
"Nuts," a new Warner Bros. release that opens in Kansas City tomorrow and in Lawrence next month, has an abundance of tension, trauma and tragedy. This does not mean that there is no humor. Just when it seems like the moment is so tense that the screen is about to explode, someone says something sarcastic or funny and the tension breaks.
As the story unfolds, reasons for the great deal of tension between the characters are revealed. Tom Topor, who wrote the screenplay and the play on which it is based, makes certain that no emotional stone goes unturned.
Streisand portrays Claudia Draper, a woman whose sanity is being questioned. She is in a mental hospital because she is suspected of murder. Her parents, Arthur and Rose
Kirk, and her lawyer think she is incompetent to stand trial. Many viewers might agree, especially after attacks her lawyer in the court room.
Once Claudia's first lawyer resigns from the case, the court appoints Aaron Levinsky, played by Dreyfus, to determine her competence. In a surprise move, he decides to go against the judge's will and Claudia's parents and fight for Claudia's right to stand trial. Almost as soon as he meets his client, he wonders if he has made the right decision.
Claudia is a very irritating person. She is so sexually promiscuous that she offends everyone, but even this pales in comparison to her rude and obnoxious behavior. However, the audience can't quite bring itself to dislike her because she speaks the truth.
Streisand gives a brilliant performance. To say that she carries the film would be an exaggeration, but not by much. This is her best piece of work yet.
In addition to her role on screen, she also produced the movie and wrote the music. Her job is made easy by Dreyfuss and a superb supporting cast, including Karl Malden, Maureen Stapleton, Eli Wallach and James Whitmore.
No movie is perfect, and "Nuts" is no exception. The film starts out rather slowly and is confusing before all the loose ends are tied together at the climax of the story.
Most of the movie is filmed in a courtroom. The viewer with a penchant for action and high adventure will probably be disappointed. "Nuts" is definitely a thought-provoking and intellectual film.
As I walked out of the theater, I couldn't help but feel satisfied. Streisand's acting, the screenplay, and the impact of the movie on the audience are exceptional, and it has an appropriate ending. I heard one man say he thought at least one person in the film would be nominated for an Academy Award. Although I have never been a Streisand fan, she deserves recognition for her work in "Nuts." Considering the quality of the product, you shouldn't feel cheated to pay the ticket price.
Judge Stanley Murdoch (James Whitmore) listens as Claudia Draper (Barbara Streisand) is questioned by her attorney, Aaron Levinsky (Richard Dreyfus) in Warner Bros.' drama "Nuts."
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Inc
SAVE
YOUR MONEY,
CLIP A COUPON!
DON'S AUTOMOTIVE CENTER, Inc.
"COMPLETE SERVICE AND PARTS SALES"
"FOR MOST FOREIGN CARS"
- VW • VOLVO
• SUBARU • MG
• DATSUN • MAZDA
• TOYOTA • HONDA
BOSCH
AUTOMOTIVE
Machine Shop Service Available
841-4833
1008 E. 12TH
1008 E. 12TH
The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Concert Series brings a special event and gives to you
The Canadian Brass in A Christmas Show
8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2, 1987
Hoch Auditorium
Public: $14 & $12
KU & K-12 Students: $7 & $6
Senior Citizens & Other Students: $13 & $11
Tickets on sale in the Murphy Hall Box Office
All seats reserved/For reservations, call 913/864-3982
Funded, in part, by the KU Student Activity Fee. Swarthou Society, and the KU Endowment Association.
Half Price for Students
“Innerwear Inspirations”
Eldridae
Temptations
701 Massachusetts 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs.'til 8 p.m.
841-3119 Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
...
Kansan Fact: Over 18,500 KU Students Read The Kansan!!!
Thrill Her! - Treat Him! - Impress Them!
Arthur Porter's is Now Open for Lunch Monday thru Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lounge Open All Day
You must see this unique Bistro; You must sample this excellent cuisine. You must enjoy this fine service — You simply must! Moderately priced.
Arthur Porter's 1511 W.23rd St. Casual Dress 841-6666