Sometimes I feel I'm the only straight guy who liked this movie. I liked it a lot. I loved the writing, the acting, the music. And Holly Hunter's dance, under ecstasy, at the lesbian club is one of those film moments I took with me and stayed with me and if I play the soundtrack in my car - I relive the moment totally. Richard Le Gravenais the writer, director of this movie was the writer of "The Ref" and other movies I always keep kind of handy. I've played "Living Out Loud" after dinner for friends who had never seen it. I've done it three times and, each time, it was a hit with the gals and gay guys the others made fun of the movie and were subsequently thrown out of the room. Interesting, at least for me, to think that this movie has made me question myself. I wish it happened more often at the movies.
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aguasmarked6 May 2007
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postmanwhoalwaysringstwice18 February 2007Writer turned writer-director Richard LaGravenese made 1998's "Living Out Loud", which follows the intersection of the lives of two people emotionally lost in the big city. Holly Hunter plays Judith, a feisty and freshly divorced woman in her early forties with an overactive imagination. Danny DeVito plays Pat, a depressed and proud elevator attendant with emotional baggage all his own. After they share words a friendship gingerly begins to form. The creative casting of the fabulous Holly Hunter and the frequently under-appreciated dramatic talents of Danny DeVito is only the beginning of the special qualities of "Living Out Loud". This is a mature study of adult relationships, especially of those that have tried, failed, and are left emotionally crippled. It's an intimate, quiet film about regular people made with so many genuine moments and with such winning results that one can only be reminded how infrequently a film like this comes along. It might not be that clever comedy the DVD suggests, but in a way the false advertising makes it that much more of a find.
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Philaura6 November 2000Besides the fact that the performances by all are excellent and the film's story pulls many emotions, Queen Latifa steals the show. I am a big jazz fan and find it very difficult to deal with rap. I've seen Queen Latifa a couple times doing her rap thing and had to turn it off. I could not believe that this was the same woman. What a class act. I hope we see more of her in this genre of music. I ran out to buy the sound track immediately. The film does not answer any burning questions at the end. Nor does is have any kind of punch. I admit I like a story that has a strong ending best, but that is not what this film is about. It's the journey of life and lives touching. It didn't bother me as much as others that have written comments mainly because I found the interaction between the characters so honest and down right enjoyable.
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Living Out Loud is a very complete film in its use of good telling, quirky casting and an dynamic use of music. Mr. LaGravenese has made a triumphant transition from screenwriter to director. Holly Hunter is brilliant in the role of Judith, one of the most emotionally complex woman that I've seen on the screen in ages. Hunter is a bundle of pent-up sexuality and rage that explodes as her safe upperclass NYC life begins to unravel. Danny Devito is a good actor who when given the right script becomes a great actor. He is perfect as the unlucky recently divorced elevator operator trying to catch a break. Queen Latifah is awesome. Her talent is natural and honest. She is the most interesting black female in film today(second only to Alfre Woodard or Angela Bassett). Martin Donovan is cinema's best kept secret. His talent is also very natural as can be seen in his other work(Insomnia, The Oppsite of Sex, etc). If you are looking for a film about 'self-discovery', this is the film for you.
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anaconda-406585 November 2015Living Out Loud (1998): Dir: Richard LaGravenese / Cast: Holly Hunter, Danny De Vito, Queen Latifah, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas: Silly yet refreshing view of people suffering from broken relationships. Holly Hunter is single and working at a hospital. Danny De Vito is divorced after twenty-five years of marriage. He owes a large debt in which his job as an elevator bellhop doesn't satisfy. His brother wishes to help him at his bar but De Vito holds out hoping to excel elsewhere. Recently his daughter passed away, which leads to his encounter with Hunter. She pays off his debt thus leading to interesting encounters yet an obvious conclusion. Directed by Richard LaGravenese who bypasses clichés with style, despite the predictable formula that drives the ending home. Hunter and De Vito flourish with humour in tact. Hunter is searching for something new and De Vito is hoping to bandage the old and move on. They have a unique chemistry despite the fact that the outcome is obvious. Supporting roles are played by an ambitious cast with little to do. Queen Latifah plays a nightclub singer who strikes up a friendship with Hunter but despite the energy put into the performance, the role is more or less a prop added when the leads are separated. Martin Donovan plays Hunter's ex in what is typical and predictable as he tries to reenter her life. Entertaining and provocative comedy. Score: 7 / 10
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At last, an unconventional love story. a Hollywood drama with no false characters, a sincere look in the feelings two lonely people develop about each other. The cast is so uniquely selected. Holly Hunter is the nurse whose husband, a medical doctor dumps her for a younger woman. Danny DeVito is the simple janitor in her block of flats who opens himself up to her and makes her feel nice. The catalyst in their relationship is the music of Queen Latifah, an exhilarating Manhattan jazz singer.
This is the directorial debut of Richard LaGravenese, but apart from this scenario he has written also The Horse Whisperer (1998), Beloved (1998), The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), The Bridges of Madison County (1995) and The Fisher King (1991), all magnificent stories which carry his trademark of touching his audience's inner chords. This film absolutely deserves 6 out of 10. -
Holly Hunter, sexy and unafraid of a tight close-up at age 40, as the left-behind wife who reclaims at least parts of herself after divorcing her meathead cardiologist husband (Martin Donovan).
Danny DeVito as an also-divorced sweet soul, delivering a believably vulnerable love interest.
And Queen Latifah, injecting pure spunk and (rap-free)jazz vocals.
Rare, extended scenes, with two people just sitting and talking, thanks to Richard LaGravenese's script (with help from Anton Chekov's short stories).
And finally, an even rarer ending, where every character is NOT ushered off screen into a neatly-wrapped-happy-ending sunset. -
Ron-187 November 1998Good performances by Holly Hunter and Danny DiVito. Strange injection of gratuitous homosexual events made it a bit of a turn off. Queen Latifah is cool.
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preppy-316 August 2000This film was a hard one to market--it's about a woman's journey of self-discovery after divorcing her husband. It came out in 1998 with a confused ad campaign and disappeared very quickly. It's a real shame because it was one of the best films on 1998. All the acting is excellent, there are some great songs mostly sung by Queen Latifah and there's a very exciting sequence between Hunter and a masseur (played by a very handsome, muscular actor named Eddie Cibrian). There's no real strong storyline--it's basically about how Hunter tries various ways to get on with her life after her divorce. The film jumps from fantasy to reality seamlessly, has sharp dialogue and realistic situations. It's never dull--there are countless great moments (the sequence with Cibrian; her encounter behind a door in a club; the dancing sequence at a lesbian bar; all of Queen Latifah's singing) and has an uplifting, unexpected ending. A great movie all the way around. If you haven't seen it, do so. You won't be disappointed.
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view_and_review3 December 2020I don't have much to say about this movie. A woman named Judith (Holly Hunter) goes through an ugly divorce and doesn't quite know what to do with herself afterwards. She's emotionally confused, but trying to work it out. She meets Pat (Danny De Vito), an elevator operator in her building who's daughter just died. Her friendliness towards him touches a soft spot within him and he wants to see more of her. She, on the other hand, is still trying to sort things out.
I guess the movie was good. I mean, it wasn't bad. It was just an even keel with tiny peaks and valleys along the way. -
tan-134 April 1999Fantasy sequences should have been omitted or incorporated more through the film. Either all or nothing would have been better. Having a few at the beginning and one near the end made no sense. Throughout middle of film, we were never sure if the scenes were real or the start of a fantasy, so it was difficult to have sympathy for the characters.
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I loved this quirky, not run of the mill fairy tale of people trying to be run of the mill. There is an honesty and intensity that is disarming and moving. Though the resolution is a bit "Hollywood", the process is real and really funny.
Holly Hunter is a fearless actress who plays a dumped wife; not too mousy or too terrific. We hear the inner dialog so many take drugs to drown out. Coincidentally it has one of the best "drug perspective" scenes ever. She almost makes me want to drink again.
Danny Devito plays the love interest; yes this movie has guts! Though, thank God, the sex scene is not with him. Danny plays a born loser realizing he doesn't have to be.
Finally Queen Latifah (spelling?) is flawless as a bluesy torch singer! If you had told me I'd hear ANYONE sing an Ella Fitzgerald standard that was worthy, I would have called you crazy. She's got everything, including a voice and a presence on film I genuinely enjoy.
See this movie, even if your just a little neurotic and searching to laugh out loud at the ugly truth. -
hobbes328 February 2001This is not high art but if you're looking for a rental to curl up on the couch with the next time you have a bad day or a fight with your significant other, this could be the ticket. Fine performances by Holly Hunter, Danny DeVito, the amazing Queen Latifa, not to mention an intelligent, compelling script make this worth a look. The soundtrack has to be heard to be believed. (Oh, and look for a pre-"Third Watch" Eddie Cibrian. Yowza)
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Dave-30014 November 1998I keep wanting to like the work of Danny DeVito. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pull it off. Seeing "Living Out Loud" didn't help.
Danny DeVito is, perhaps, many things. But a character who is
warm, sexy, and lovable and provides caring solace to a neurotic divorcee whose life is straight out of the soaps is not among them. Even Holly Hunter can't make him seem credible. Given the script she was asked to swallow, it was difficult enough to make herself seem credible.
But if you are the producer of the movie, you can do as you wish. Nevertheless, DeVito needs to return roles such as he played in "Throw Mama from the Train." They better fit his personality as well as his level of talent. -
-2314 November 1999I just watched this film for the 5th time and am more impressed every time. What seems to some a disjointed story with no plot seems to me to be the reality of life. People can't really see the connectedness of the events of their lives while they experience them. This film had that reality. The characters all experienced loneliness, loneliness had no connection to status or any other social differences. They are all trying to connect and ultimately they need to connect with themselves and their dreams. On first viewing I was perplexed by the dance scene. Now I see it as the main character finding and accepting herself. It was a refreshing awakening. It was good to be reminded that to get a life one needs to continue to experience life. A film for all those who hurt or celebrate relationships and want to get a life.
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HAL9000-420 February 1999Holly Hunter in the role of middle-aged woman on the verge of a breakdown can almost do this movie as a one-woman show. The movie begins with her divorce and follows her explorations, from gigolos to a dance floor filled lesbians there is something titillating for all. However, we're expected to follow kafka-esque hallucinations of Holly (at least three) so we never know if something is really happening or being imagined. Ultimately, the movie flirts with surrealism as badly as it flirts with sexuality.
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hobbes329 March 1999Enjoyed this one very much. Holly Hunter, who is always good, was outstanding and Danny DeVito has never been more appealing. I felt personally connected to the film & the characters. Rented it this wknd & watched it twice, then went out & bought the soundtrack.
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gitrich17 November 1998Holly Hunter and Danny De Vito work well together in Living Out Loud but several unbelievable situations took the charm out of it for me. Queen Latifah is great and lights up the screen whenever she appears. I'm looking forward to more starring roles from this fine actress. Hey, I'm not saying don't see this flick but don't expect it to be anywhere near As Good As It Gets. This movie should have been named, Trying To Be As Good As It Gets.
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=G=4 July 2001"Living Out Loud" is a claustrophobic lite-drama which focuses on Hunter playing a 40-something NYC nurse coping with post-divorce aloneness who, out of the need for someone to fill the void in her life, establishes a relationship with her apartment building elevator operator played by DiVito. This plodding, plaintive, well acted flick with warmth and charm is, judging from IMDB's demographic stats, a sort of middle aged female "chick" flick. A worthy effort with excellent performances and some good jazz singin' by Latifah.
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moveefrk11 February 2005I saw this film back in 1998 when it was released, and I must say that to this day, it remains the most resonant, most joyous and most uplifting film I've ever seen. The fact that the vastly thick movie-going public didn't embrace this film is just a mere testament to how great it was. (I guess they all loved "Armaggedon"!)
The complaint about a weak storyline is completely unfounded. Who hasn't had obstacles to overcome in life and love and yes, divorce is a huge obstacle! Writer/director Richard LaGravenese understood this and actually fashioned his film out of real life, not fabrication. His character Judith (Holly Hunter) is a real flesh-and-blood woman going through the painful trial of divorce from an insensitive, callous jerk and struggles with loneliness and sorrow. She is also a woman of wants and desires and a certain unfortunate taste in bad men and also prone to fantasy. Who doesn't know anyone like that?
Enter Pat (superbly played by Danny DeVito), an elevator man in an upscale building who is largely ignored and mistreated by the snobs in that building, until Judith (who also lives there) takes the time to get to know him. He has marital problems and gambling problems. Who doesn't?
Then there's Liz, (the sultry Queen Latifah) the nightclub jazz singer who puts up a front on stage and off, until she learns to be a little more human to her fan base. Talented people are often misunderstood or lopped in with the nasty snobs. Who hasn't had a similar negative encounter with a person you admire?
****SPOILER ALERT**** One of the biggest and trickiest risks that LaGravenese took was not to make Hunter and DeVito's characters obvious targets for romance and that they didn't fall in love with each other. I'm actually glad that he took a strong realistic approach to the material as opposed to the glossed-over Hollywood treatment. These were real people in real situations, not cardboard cutouts in search of a plot.
All in all, LaGravenese (who's work such as "THE FISHER KING", "THE REF" and "A LITTLE PRINCESS" I've admired) tells his story with plenty of humor, sadness, wit, anger, sass, and plenty of music. Latifah's powerful voice was a sign of things to come for this talented artist. Though she didn't receive a nomination for this film, it's clear she was noticed. In fact, all involved moved on to bigger and better things since, so no sense crying about it.
I like the fact that it's in my DVD collection to enjoy over and over again. Hopefully you will too. -
stargate-55 November 2000I enjoyed this film tremendously for it's middle of the road handling of where you can find yourself if you let go of the conventional. Second chances are everywhere in this movie. The females are dependent upon their men to enrich their lives and to complete them. Both women accept their feelings without question. Holly Hunter's character must confront her "dreamlike view of marriage" and Queen Latifah...her love of pretty men and what path that usually takes her down. Danny Devito is trying to get a piece of the conventional and when he is turned down, goes out and fulfills his dream of singing and the inport/export business.
I loved the unique ways the women gratified themselves and came into their power as sexual beings without the usual complications. Great flick on how to let it happen to you. -
inframan23 December 2000Any given scene in this movie is like a moment from Guiding Light, All My Children, Another World or just about any other daytime serial. The emotions, the performances, the psychology of the principal characters, their take on life, careers, relationships, other people, are 100% soap opera. Maybe this is real life in Hollywood, but I ain't seen anything like it off-screen anywhere else.
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KIDKODAK-213 March 2005I loved this movie...for all of its parts and for the whole of it. Holly is at her finest, Danny's magnificent and Latifah is, as always, gorgeous and honey-like. Whether you're straight or gay, male/female, young or old, frustratedly married or happily co-habitating, there's at least one scene where you're going to say, "Hey, that's me". How refreshing to see a coming of age, angst ridden plot featuring characters that are 40-somethings instead of the usual teen version of same. (Why should kids have all the fun of self-doubt, self-consciousness and self flagellation.) This movie is sensitive to the universal themes of the meaning of life, the need for love and the search for relevance. Try it, I guarantee you'll like it. (Just don't rent it for a boys night in....way too much emotion.)
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Holly Hunter's performance is by far the most entertaining thing in "Living Out Loud". She continues to give really good performances in every one of her films. Danny DeVito is okay, but gives an excellent and kind of funny jazz performance. The rest of the cast is rather dull, especially Queen Latifah who is very under-utilized in her role. I would recommend watching it though, a good story and some good acting hold the film together.
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kenandraf5 August 2001Good subject matter and intentions but this movie needed a better lead actress.Hunter was adequate but for a movie that chooses a cruising kind of flow,a merely adequate lead actress only resulted in the movie's under achievement.This resulted in De Vito and Latifah stealing the movie from her.It would have been nice if the lead was heavyweight like Michelle Pfiefer,Goldie Hawn or a Meg Ryan.The movie could also have used better cinematography and screenplay.Only watch if you are a big fan of the lead actors or if you are a middle aged woman with heartache and loves light romantic comedies.Other than that,don't expect much......