Book Review

Holy Smoke

EW's GRADE
B

A talky tale of a young woman and the man hired to deprogram her from an Indian cult, Holy Smoke is a collaborative effort from the filmmaker sisters behind such indie works as The Piano (Jane) and Loaded (Anna). In alternating chapters, Ruth (who will be played by Kate Winslet in the upcoming Miramax movie version, natch) and New York-based cult specialist P.J. (played by Harvey Keitel, natch again) detail the internal desires that lead first to passion and then to a violent denouement. The Campions' insight into the young, independent female mind gives vitality and weight to Ruth's voice, but P.J.'s journey from frustration to psychosis is sudden and jarring. Perhaps it will seem more natural on the big screen. B

Originally posted Aug 06, 1999 Published in issue #497 Aug 06, 1999 Order article reprints
You Might Also Like

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining
Advertisement