The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008)

Director:

Jodie Markell

Writer:

Tennessee Williams (screenplay)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Tells the story of Fisher Willow, the disliked 1920s Memphis débutante daughter of a plantation owner...

Plot Keywords:

Debutante

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Bryce Dallas Howard	...	Fisher
Chris Evans	...	Jimmy
Will Patton	...	Mr. Dobyne
Ann-Margret	...	Cornelia
Mamie Gummer	...	Julie
Jessica Collins	...	Vinnie
Ellen Burstyn	...	Addie
Peter Gerety	...	Mr. Van Hooven
Marin Ireland	...	Esmeralda
Zoe Perry	...	Mathilde
Barbara Garrick	...	Mrs. Dobyne
Zach Grenier	...	Mr. Fenstermaker
Laila Robins	...	Mrs. Fenstermaker (as Laila Robbins)
Susan Blommaert	...	Addie's Nurse
Carol Sutton	...	Susie

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and drug content.

Runtime:

Canada:102 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Philippines:R-13 (MTRCB)

Filming Locations:

Alexandria, Louisiana, USA

Company:

Constellation Entertainment

Trivia:

Lindsay Lohan was originally cast as Fisher.

Soundtrack:

Liebestraum No. 3

A simple yet exquisite viewing experience that should be had by many

Being a big fan of Bryce Dallas Howard and an avid admirer of all things Tennessee Williams I was adamant to see this, a film produced from a forgotten screenplay of his. This is classic kind of story of his, focusing on the Fisher Willow - a privileged girl returning from her studies abroad and disgraced in Memphis society for her father's ruthless actions. She's a complex girl yearning to break free, brilliantly blasé over the airs and graces of her débutante peers, she's lost her reputation but not her sparkling wit - and Bryce Dallas Howard flawlessly tackles the accent and sass of a southern Belle. With no eligible bachelor willing to take her to social events she enlists the help of a farm boy grandson of a mayor Jimmy (played passably by Chris Evans) to escort her to these "agonising parties". She also makes moves on him through her own sad manners of seduction but to no avail, he is too distanced by societal divisions and his own sense of inadequacy. The story eventually slows down and focuses on a grand Halloween party during which the titular incident takes place and the drama unfolds. This is a very handsome film - fluid camera-work, gorgeous production design, lovely Southern scenery - it's a story on a small-scale but wonderfully theatrical execution with excellent support from Mamie Gummer and Ellen Bursty. Amidst the chaos of the party there are a few dramatic arias that are quite old fashioned but effective and segue into only more revelations, yet throughout Howard maintains enough exuberance, conviction and restraint to hold onto the audience's affection and so that we feel her internal struggle. She is just a delight. Between this, As You Like It, Manderlay and The Village she is establishing herself as one of the most capable young actresses in Hollywood. Hopefully this gets proper distribution later this year because it is a simple yet exquisite viewing experience that deserves to be had by many.