I'm not sure what's more remarkable - the excellence of this movie, or the fact that it could have come and gone in 1995 with so little broad notice, then or in the years since. It's a quiet, uncomplicated film, with no great drama beyond what may transpire in the average person's life. Yet it's endearing in that simplicity, and a marvel in consideration of all the pieces that come together to produce it. 'Heavy' isn't a masterpiece, but it's a wonderful picture that deserves to be seen much more.
Just look at the names involved: A cast helmed by Pruitt Taylor Vince, Liv Tyler, Shelley Winters, Deborah Harry. Music by Thurston Moore. The first feature of accomplished film-maker James Mangold, as writer or director. Moreover, 'Heavy' got strong attention at major film festivals upon release, and it's no wonder why; for all the low-key modesty and the clarity of vision, this is a fantastic movie.
Major themes stand out of self-confidence, loneliness, depression, and unreciprocated affection. Well before obesity and fatphobia became hot-button topics, the film touches on these notions through the personal struggles of protagonist Victor (Vince). Through it all, there's no small sense of awkwardness as we bear witness to the character drama playing out. The end result is a picture that's pointedly uncomfortable, and somewhat difficult for that reason - yet all the more rewarding.
It's so entrancing that before we know it 'Heavy' is half over, then three-quarters. It helps that the cast is so outstanding. That goes for Harry, as Dolores, a woman tired of dealing with other people, and Winters, as Dolly, personable and forthright. Tyler, as Callie, demonstrates a nuance and range that other parts have not wholly allowed her to express. Callie is a complicated character, with a laundry list of personal issues that could be the basis for a feature film all by themselves, and Tyler manages that complexity deftly. Yet it's Vince, as Victor, who stars as a man silently at war with himself over his desires and perceived inadequacies. Vince contains multitudes in his unmistakable gaze, and communicates as much in his expressions if not more than in his dialogue. Commonly seen in supporting roles, it's good to watch him in the lead here.
Even given moments of sudden noise or emotional outburst, this is a film that's very subdued in tone, much more about the characters than a robust narrative, or technique. Yet in that focus it's easy to become absorbed with the marvelous screenplay Mangold concocted, and the scenes he orchestrates. One can see traces of his later films in the knack for personal crisis that he began to develop here, and it's a pleasure to watch.
Once more - I think this came and went with far too little fanfare upon release, probably in no small part on account of the filmmaker's lack of reputation at that time. That said, it's a mistake to not check out 'Heavy' now if one has the chance, because this is a superb drama filled with great character and performances, and I'd be hard-pressed not to recommend it to just about anyone.
