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Yes this is that notorious film, Kim Basinger, walked out on, and I'll be honest, I'm gratefully glad, otherwise we wouldn't of been graced with the magical and beautiful presence Sherilyn Fenn has. What happened to her? Skipping a release in Adelaide, my eyes were soon eating up her beauty, a few months later. This movie was penned by David Lynch's daughter, and learning that she was only nineteen when she wrote it, I must say wowed me. Some people will see this movie as just an excuse for actors to take their clothes off, I can tell you, it's much more than that. It's the story of such deep sexual obsession one surgeon (Julian Sands who pops up in a lot of these films, and other R ones, when he's not warlocking) has on this beauty, he spent one night with, he just can't let go. When this daring, live life to the full beauty, who I must admit, really is a b..ch, attends a party, Sands is hosting, she makes quite an impression, attracting the eye of many a crowd, including Sands's very hot wife, in one sense, it will have you thinking, "What an idiot?" but other scenes will make you think that too, as at times he becomes such a pathetic, sad, pitiable character. As Helena is going away the next day, in a rush to leave, the next day, she realizes she's lost her wallet that has been purposely misplaced, by the jealous angst Sands. This fracas leads to a tragedy with a twist. I use the term twist, so I don't spoil the illusion of the movie for viewers. The tragedy, involving a car, that's knocked her down, and taken her legs with it, leads to the heart of the story where Helena becomes a virtual prisoner in Sands's home, where for the rest of the movie, it's interplay between the two actors, you could knock a play into shape with. For jealous obsessive Sands, this has become his dream. But the interruption of Kurtwood Smith, as an older physician and colleague of Sands, kind of puts a damper on the situation. But the interesting plot of movie with some occasional hot scenes, keeps you absorbed, as here's a tale of a really deep, take no prisoners, obsession. How the accident really concluding, I must say, threw me for a six, the way it deceived us, was very smartly done. New talent, Lynch (where proved here, it runs in the family) has fashioned a really solid adult feature, that like, The Lover, Husbands and Lovers, even Lake Consequence, you shouldn't pass off as just an excuse for sex, or label it, "just a dirty movie", as this one definitely isn't. Fenns's natural spellbinding beauty, is worth the rental alone. Don't pass it off.
ckneko
At it's core, the idea of Boxing Helena is interesting and pretty darn twisted. Knowing about it before hand was the only thing that kept me watching. It's a brave and unique premise for a movie. But it doesn't ever get good. Or shocking. From the get go the doctor comes off as odd and a little creepy. (And for some reason he's applying ear medicine and has cotton stuffed in his ear the whole movie. Why? I couldn't tell you.) His obsession with the (Needlessly?) bitchy Helena is questionable and for some reason there are scattered allusions to some kind of tainted past with his mother. About 45 minutes in, if he hadn't been set up to be so obvious, there could have been a real shock reveal when we find out what he's been up to. This movie tries, for some reason, to scatter erotica around too. There's a far too long slow motion scene where Helena gets undressed and jumps in a fountain at a party. You know, like you do. A scene from nowhere, where Dr. Nick has sex with a completely random and nameless woman to entertain Helena, who apparently reaches some kind of climax by watching this despite the fact that at this point in the movie, she can't possibly do that by herself. To top it all off it ends with - I'm not kidding you - "Oh, it was all a dream." DO NOT waste two hours on this flick, even if the plot sounds as intriguing to you as it did to me. It's a perfect example of how a good idea can be executed incredibly poorly.
Martin Onassis
When I saw Boxing Helena, I was young but pretty jaded to motion pictures. I was in a for the shock and ride of my life. Now that I read it was directed by David Lynch's daughter, it doesn't surprise me. I wont belabor the plot or details of the movie, but I will say that as a young man who was pursuing and dating lots of women, this movie really made me think about the vulnerability of even super attractive women, and about what happens when men put no constraints on their desire to chase or own a woman. The fact that it delivered that message in a totally original and effective fashion makes it a top-shelf film in my mind.I will say that I told a few women I thought it was a great film and they were disgusted by it. Too many people took this film far too literally, even though it wasn't literal even within the plot. I actually think it assaults our construction of goddesses in the media at such a root foundation that it's actually a very insurgent, anti-establishment film. It really attacks a materialism associated with the pursuit and existence of beautiful people.It's definitely a thinker's picture. It's a perfect use of film, portraying something you don't want to see in real life to illustrate a point. It's also brilliantly shot and acted. Make up you own mind. There's no other film like it.
Paul Magne Haakonsen
This thriller is one of a kind. The story is compelling and interesting."Boxing Helena" will lure you in, and once you are caught, cut off your limbs. This is a thriller with lots of depth and detail.The characters are interesting and well cut out. Each bringing lots to the story, and you can immerse yourself in the characters, because they are so well brought to life. Of course, the cast have a lot to do with this as well, and the casting was perfect for each role. The scenery in the movie works well, because it has that touch of personal space to it. It is not scary or dark sets, and it works well for the movie.The movie is not a gory or really scary one, but it will keep you thrilled with its sense of psychological dread. The story goes forward at a constant flow, never leaving you bored."Boxing Helena" leaves you with something to ponder about once it has ended, and I like that in a movie, that means you actually got something for your money. I recommend that you give this movie a chance if you like a movie with some depth.
