Recently I had the opportunity to attend an online screening of the independent film, Mighty Fine followed by a live chat with two of the actors in the movie, Chazz Palminteri and Jodelle Ferland. Written and directed by Debbie Goldstein, Mighty Fine is a fictional story yet draws on Debbie’s experiences as a child living with an abusive father.
The movie is set in the 70′s and is centered around the Fine family. Joe Fine can be charming, charismatic and downright mean. When things are going well, Joe is the husband and father that most dream about. But when Joe begins to feel threatened, either financially or emotionally, an ugly side of him comes out. Stella, played by Andie McDowell, is a holocaust survivor with her own emotional issues. She loves her children but feels as though she owes Joe for saving her. Even though she is fully aware of Joe’s rage, she does nothing to stop it and even makes excuses for him. Maddie and Natalie are Joe and Stella’s daughters. Maddie and Joe butt heads quite often in the movie while younger sister Natalie takes on some of her mother’s characteristics and tries to see only the good in her father.
My favorite character in this movie was Maddie, the 16-year daughter of Joe and Stella. She resonated with me because she was strong. She saw her father for who he was – both good and bad and wasn’t afraid to use her voice. She was willing to take matters into her own hands, even if that meant leaving her comfort zone. I wonder if this film had been in present day how Maddie would have reacted to her dad’s outbursts. For that matter, I wonder if the whole family would react differently. I suspect that no matter what the time period, acknowledging and taking action against someone who loves you so deeply one minute but is so hateful the next would be difficult.
I encourage you to see Mighty Fine which will be in select theaters on May 25th. It will definitely make you uncomfortable and will make you wonder why but I also think that each of us can relate in some way to the characters.
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating.
About Sarah
Twitter: prettynameless
says:
Sounds like an interesting movie! I’m a big fan of indie films. I do think people react differently now than they would have in the past to certain situations. In some ways, that’s a good thing. I think it shows that we’ve grown, and that we no longer accept certain situations as the norm.
Twitter: CinnyBBS
says:
Sounds like an interesting movie to see.
I got to watch this for my blog too. So emotional but I liked how it wasn’t as fake as most movies are. It felt pretty close to being realistic.
Twitter: _themaven
says:
I watched this screening too, and I agree with Emily, it wasn’t fakey, it drew on real emotions.
Twitter: sunandsipcups
says:
This looks really good – I’d never heard of it before? But definitely one I’ll check out
Twitter: FabFindsbyTiff
says:
I heard about this and it does sound good but I’m sure it would be hard to watch. It’s good that this is getting out there for all to see though.
Twitter: thefrugalette
says:
Sounds interesting, and you’re right if we haven’t experienced it, we just can’t wrap our heads around why they just dont leave?!
Twitter: my3lilkittens
says:
I had no previously heard of this movie, but it sounds like something definitely worth watching! I think there is far more “empowerment” in today’s society versus that of the 70s and situations like these would definitely play out very differently set in a different time period. Yet, the same stereotypes still exist despite the years and change ….
Twitter: kSquaredGlamour
says:
i haven’t heard of this movie but it sounds like a good watch!
Twitter: simmworksfamily
says:
I hadn’t yet heard of this movie. I’ll have to see if it’s playing here.