Mrs. Soffel

Amazon.com

An air of gothic romanticism pervades every aspect of this remarkable film, based on a true story from the turn of the 20th century. In its torrid plot, one can hear the icy restraints of the Victorian era cracking. Diane Keaton is uncannily perfect as Kate Soffel, wife of a priggish prison warden (Edward Herrmann). She's funny and touching playing what used to be called a "neurasthenic"--a nervous, depressed woman with mysterious physical ailments. When the film opens, Kate is just recovering from a three-month-long spell, and back at work preaching to the inmates in her husband's prison. Whom should she encounter but dangerous death row inmate Ed Biddle, in the irresistible person of Mel Gibson. The forbidden affair that blossoms between them is feverishly exciting, but the film operates on myriad other levels. Director Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career) and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) have much to say about capital punishment, and about the miserable fate of women in this repressive society who dare to act on their passions. There's nothing morally clear-cut in this movie, which is what makes it consistently fascinating. Kate and Ed's romance is as right as it is wrong; we never really know how to feel about either of them. The film's stunning cinematography and superb period details are exhilarating, from the towering, bleak beauty of the prison to the gorgeous panoramic chase scenes of horse-drawn sleighs in the snow. --Laura Mirsky

Customer Reviews:

See this one!.......2007-08-23

This is an excellent movie and Mel looks young and beautiful. Very stirring movie! Make sure you see it!

Love this movie!.......2007-03-30

I'm a huge Diane Keaton AND Mel Gibson fan...so to have them both in the same movie...!! If you like dark drama and a good love story...this is a great film...AND it's based on a true story. It's not Annie Hall or Reds, but if you're a Keaton fan, it's a good film none-the-less.

Touching with Wonderful Performances.......2004-05-03

Diane Keaton gives a remarkable and haunting performance as Mrs. Keaton. Her character stays with you long after the movie's end. Simply brilliant!

"Riveting"........2003-04-10

I saw this movie when it first came out in 1984, and I've always remembered it as a favorite. Having recently purchased it, I viewed it all alone in my dark bedroom one night...I don't think I took my eyes off the screen for one second. This movie is emotionally charged, and draws you in from the start. I loved the excellent depiction of the era. I had forgotten how the movie played out...and now that I've seen it again, it is still a favorite, but I had forgotten how very tragic it all was! Tragic on so many levels. And based on a true story, no less. I don't think there was much doubt that the Biddle Boys died of their wounds in the end...their injuries were so realistic and painful to watch. Excellent perfomances. Of course I sobbed for 20 minutes at the end of this one. A tale of a tragic romance that you won't soon forget.

Pulled me into 1901 Pittsburg from the very first scene........2002-10-16

Mrs. Soffel (Diane Keaton) is based on the true story of a emotionally starved Mother of three. Her prison warden husband is not unsypathetic, but hasn't a clue as to what she's feeling.

Her daily routine of reading the Bible to the inmates can no
longer fulfill her emotional void...that is until the day she encounter's the new, guilt-in-question, death row inmates Jack Matthew Modine) and Ed (Mel Gibson) Biddle.

Rules of society were strict in 1901, but with death at stake, Ed Biddle begins a methodical plan to seduce the warden's wife to help them escape.

Black and White turn grey when it comes to just who is seducing who. Once the Biddle's escape the confines of their cells, it is Ed(Gibson)who doesn't want to leave "Kate" behind.

After the breakout is discovered the next morning, it seems only a Sheriff with a mind that can think the "unthinkable" suspects the warden's wife has escaped with the two deathrow inmates and not as their hostage...

On the run, Kate and Ed's passion grow until most certainly, one feels death is the only thing that can break them apart.

Mark Isham's dark film score is perfect. Who would have imagined Keaton and Gibson paired? Up until this movie, I had chalked
Gibson up to a pretty face with not much depth, BUT...

DVD:

DVD

DVD