Judy Berlin focuses its attention on a small New York suburb on a day where an eclipse lasts a little too long, enveloping the town in a darkness somehow enabling its citizens to open and express themselves.
Judy Berlin meanders and strolls through characters and situations that have no real connections other than an Alzheimer patient that ties everyone loosely together. Characters spout off supposedly meaningful dialogue while staring off in the distance. They do quirky things that seem like they have a greater significance than they really do. The problem is that none of this particularly engaging or even interesting. Even the title of the film seems misplaced, focusing attention on the actress that is currently attracting the most attention outside of the film (Eddie Falco from The Sopranos). The film's moniker could have easily been the name of any one of the random characters. With a cast filled with great character actors, most of them are wasted on bit parts or cameo roles. Those that do have larger roles appear confused to as exactly why they are there. The premise of the extended eclipse symbolizing the mediocrity of the characters lives while also providing the inspiration for their actions should have been enough fodder to carry an independent film. Unfortunately, it is not and ultimately the film is a disappointing mess.
Judy Berlin meanders and strolls through characters and situations that have no real connections other than an Alzheimer patient that ties everyone loosely together. Characters spout off supposedly meaningful dialogue while staring off in the distance. They do quirky things that seem like they have a greater significance than they really do. The problem is that none of this particularly engaging or even interesting. Even the title of the film seems misplaced, focusing attention on the actress that is currently attracting the most attention outside of the film (Eddie Falco from The Sopranos). The film's moniker could have easily been the name of any one of the random characters. With a cast filled with great character actors, most of them are wasted on bit parts or cameo roles. Those that do have larger roles appear confused to as exactly why they are there. The premise of the extended eclipse symbolizing the mediocrity of the characters lives while also providing the inspiration for their actions should have been enough fodder to carry an independent film. Unfortunately, it is not and ultimately the film is a disappointing mess.