I normally think of Dafoe as a name to pay attention to. He's been a legend in the industry. But I agree with 99% of the reviews here: this film was absolutely horrible. I mean, I am trying to see it as a story of value -- a refined Italian introvert whose lover dies and leaves her a house he fondly calls the Rubber House (rubbers in the drawers and "rubber" plants in the living room). There she learns he was a playboy and that his step and fetch it actually lived there with his girlfriend before the quasi-widow arrived to claim her property and try to learn about the man who left her alone. Reeling from learning the truth, she naively seeks comfort in the 'caretaker' who tries to please her due to feelings of obligation... The film fails to portray any of the psychological innuendos due to Giada's lack of experience acting. Reading that she is Dafoe's wife brings some sense to the film and the couple's desire to work together and produce soft peorn for their fans if not merely for themselves. Prior to Before It Had a Name (AKA Black Widow) she had never done anything in the film industry except produce documentaries and pursue hobbies. I'm just not sure many of us can relate or that we can find it interesting even if we do. It's certainly not Splendor in the Grass, Girl Interrupted or Dead Man type of crazy isolated drama... If we think of how Elizabeth Taylor would have done this part (Suddenly Last Summer) now that could have been interesting. But this film? No. I really feel terrible leaving a one star for Dafoe but hey, I'd be lying if I didn't.
Review of Before It Had a Name
