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Laramie Movie Scope: Sirens

A slow, shallow character study, with lots of nudity

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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May 23, 1994 -- ``Sirens'' is even more slow moving than ``Maverick,'' in fact, it doesn't go anywhere. It is, instead, a character study.

There is a lot of nudity in the film, including frontal male nudity, but surprisingly, almost no eroticism. The women in the film include Sports Illustrated model Elle MacPherson. Watching her closely are Sam Neill (``Jurassic Park,'' ``The Piano'') and Hugh Grant (``Four Weddings and a Funeral.'').

The story is about a very proper clergyman, Grant, and his wife, played by Tara Fitzgerald, who are, by a series of events, exposed to the risque goings-on at the estate of a bohemian artist (Neill).

The story centers around Fitzgerald, who plays Estella Campion, and her sexual awakening. Grant never does get what's going on, while Neill is aloof and mysterious. MacPherson plays the part of temptress and liberator. Things happen so slowly in the film, one is tempted to go to sleep, despite the nudity.

The film is so light, that it almost floats away into nothingness. What makes it palatable is its good nature, low-key wit, subtlety and easygoing style. It does not preach. It merely observes. It rates a (yawn) C.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)