This is a unique morality story taken from the point of view of several different characters, making it both entertaining and intriguing. Luther Fox (Mick Jagger) entices a desperate unemployed writer, Byron (Andy Garcia) to be part of his gigolos. The entreprenauer clearly sees danger as well as opportunity in his new find. Byron doesn't want to cheat on his devoted wife Dena (Julianna Marguiles) but finds he has little choice in order to maintain the lie about his successful novel. Andrea (Vanessa Williams) finds Byron the perfect medicine for her dying husband Alcott (James Coburn) who must finish one last good book. And then there is Luther again with a genuine desire to live and love like a normal man like Byron, who he has now corrupted. All the characters are believable with an especially jolting performance from Angelica Huston. While not one of the best films of the year by Roger Ebert in the film billing, it is still a strong film about choices we make and those which can and cannot be reversed.
Review of The Man from Elysian Fields
