Sweetie (1989)

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Excruciating but powerful portrait of mental illness and family conflict as Kay (Karen Colston) tries to deal with the reappearance of her sister Dawn (Geneviève Lemon), "Sweetie", a child in obese, middle-aged clothing.

It's probably a film that rewards close viewing -- iMDB commentators have intriguing theories about subtle hints at sexual abuse -- but it's painful enough to sit through once.

Ebert makes much of the intrusive camera, which I had just taken as a consequence of Jane Campion, a young filmmaker, not yet developed her deft elegance. But maybe it's just that this is a messy story about messy people, and it has to look as hyperreal as it is.

- Sam - 2010-02-14 23:25:23