An exploration of a couple's, especially the man's, devotion to love and to his marriage. Despite her obsessive-compulsive behavior Joseph (Craig Sheffer) loves Maria (Sheryl Lee). Initially, their sexual love appears to be an expression of their love, but all is not right, most profoundly within Maria. They attempt to work with a therapist (Spalding Gray). Maria visits an unorthodox practitioner (Terence Stamp). Joseph's discovery of this fully opens his eyes, and eventually his heart. I've seen this movie many times, and I learn or re-learn a new lesson with each viewing about the meaning of love and devotion, the importance of self-discovery, despite its discomforts, and power of the human spirit to overcome a potentially catastrophic personal history. I love the unorthodox ideas presented by Stamp's character, although they aren't fully explained. There are gaps in the telling which ought to have been filled in. Yet, this is a movie that I believe many people and many couples would benefit from. The story-telling, the narrative drive, moves forward quite well-enough for those with lessened attention spans, yet devotes the time to exploring a loving relationship with heart, understanding, compassion and imagination.
Review of Bliss
