Renata Bella feels like a failure at life and career. But when Renata attends a seminar on selling real estate, she finally finds True Love. Sam Sharpe, while a top-notch, successful salesman, is much older than Renata. She is swept away by his excessively flamboyant style and irrepressible nature. The very traits she finds romantic, however, lead to repeated conflict with her family, especially her beloved father Joe, leaving Renata trapped in the middle.
Acting
Holly Hunter's micro-expressions say everything her character can't.
Writing
The dinner scenes feel improvised by actual chaotic siblings.
Direction
Hallström finds tenderness in the most awkward moments.
Director
Lasse Hallström
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Hallström's American debut after 'My Life as a Dog,' and he specifically sought authentic Italian-American Boston locations rather than Hollywood backlots.
The infamous pink suit was Dreyfuss's own idea—he found it in a vintage shop and insisted it revealed Sam's desperate need to be seen as exceptional.
US
