The Thing Called Love

Aspiring songwriter Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis) takes the bus from NYC to Nashville. She arrives too late for an audition along with James Wright (River Phoenix). One week later, they make it to the audition as well as Kyle Davidson (Dermot Mulroney) and Linda Lue Linden (Sandra Bullock). Only James make it but the foursome start a friendship and more.

This Peter Bogdanovich film has four great young stars. In fact, River's star dims about a month after this movie's release. This seems to be set up to be a great movie. Although I like Mathis, Phoenix is probably the more compelling actor. It would be even crazier if Bullock got the Miranda Presley role. The stories are a bit soapy. The songs are fine. It's just great to see Phoenix before his early death and an up-and-coming Bullock. Otherwise, it doesn't standout more than that.

Thanks to Peter (Bogdonovich) for participating in this project/getting the movie re-released. Admittedly, it's not for everyone, but then, even the director admits it in his interview. In fact, he points out it's rather become a "cult classic" and I agree. So truthfully, I tell those who might view these commentaries, that we seem to separate into two camps: those who enjoy the entertainment value, and those who do not.

The film was not made to create any particular lessons, change your point of view about anything, in fact, it wasn't even written in such a way that any of the "players" were gonna become famous for their roles. Nevertheless, the film creates some interesting characters, characters whom all but the coldest-hearts-would certainly pull for as the movie unfolds. Also, the actors do an amiable job of creating endearment as they evolve a bit from beginning to end. Beyond that, there is also a terrific soundtrack of country music for those who love the genre, including three versions of "Blame It On Your Heart".

I sadly look over my shoulder to the memory of River Phoenix and may now be reminded of what a talent he truly could have developed into. And again viewing the movie, I found myself more forgiving to the original headlines of how/who may have brought about his demise. Each character in this movie brought something with them that still makes me a fan. Yes, I give the movie a "7", but, as with Samantha's little song near the end of the movie, this feature is on my wall of favorite dvds to stay!. I do hope others will join me in enjoying it's return to our screens. RLjr

This movie is amusing, touching AND captivating the whole way through. River Phoenix' performance, from his excellent singing voice to his southern accent, made me believe he was an up and coming country western singer. Phoenix becomes the insecure yet arrogant James Wright and I believe he played this character perfectly even with the obvious personal struggles in his life. River and Samantha Mathis have palpable chemistry that makes you believe James and Miranda can save their difficult relationship. All the actors in this film did a good job and the story line is enjoyable and unique. There is not one wasted moment of screen time as every scene is filled with continuity and story-driven dialogue.

Peter Bogdanovich has had an up-and-down career. "The Last Picture Show" is considered his masterpiece, while his career has suffered in many other parts. One of his lesser known movies is this 1993 outing. "The Thing Called Love" is mainly know as River Phoenix's final movie, as he died two months after the release. As for the plot, it's about people's dreams. These young people move to Nashville hoping to make it big in the country music business. There of course will be complications.

The cast members really know how to capture the characters' complexity. All the characters get enough screen time to let their personalities develop sufficiently. The movie has some surprises in store, namely the scenes involving famous people playing themselves. But most importantly, it reminds us that country music is supposed to be about hardship and heartbreak (as opposed to who has the biggest truck). If you have a message for the world, you should sing it.

In the end, I recommend the movie. Phoenix, as well as Samantha Mathis, Dermot Mulroney and Sandra Bullock put on fine performances.

Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix).

"The Thing Called Love" (1993) failed miserably at the box office but it's a pretty solid drama revolving around the music biz in Nashville.

The film isn't redneck-y at all (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol); the people are genuine and likable, if sometimes annoying. The movie has a hip flair and is filled with newer country music (for 1993, that is). Aside from trying to make it in the music business the story naturally revolves around Kyle and James' attraction to Miranda and their ensuing rivalry.

The film never cops a meanspirited vibe, despite one brawl. The viewer gets the impression that these are good, talented people who will remain friends no matter what.

A couple of things make the film worthwhile, for me anyway. One is the magnetic performance of River Phoenix, who was 22 during filming. His face looks like Quorthon of Bathory (when he was in his 20s), if you're familiar with that obscure metal band.

He exudes the brooding charisma of Marlon Brando, just different. Unfortunately, three and a half months after the movie's release River was found dead outside an L. A. nightclub due to an overdose. He was only 23. Samantha Mathis (Miranda) was dating him at the time.

Speaking of whom, Samantha is the second key highlight of this flick wherein she even outshines Sandra Bullock. Keep in mind that this was the year before Bullock's breakout with "Speed." Samantha's beauty is captured well in a couple scenes, like around the 40-minute mark when Linda Lue's beau is passed out on the bed. It's too bad Samantha never broke-out, like Sandra. Her most popular flick is arguably "Broken Arrow" (1996) and then she pretty much disappeared from feature films.

A few country stars have cameos, like Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis.

"The Thing Called Love" may not be a great country music film like "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980) but it's pretty solid and highlighted by the brooding charisma of River Phoenix. He was great and it's a pity he died so prematurely.

The film runs 1 hour, 56 minutes, with the the Director's Cut running a couple minutes longer. It and was mostly shot in Nashville, with one scene done at Graceland in Memphis and another one in Santa Clarita, California (the bus stop / cafe sequence where Miranda writes a song).

GRADE: B-/B.