Set in the 1970's, MIGHTY FINE is the story of Joe Fine (Chazz Palminteri) a charismatic, high-spirited man, who relocates his family--wife Stella (Andie MacDowell), a Holocaust survivor, daughters Nathalie (Jodelle Ferland) and Maddie (Rainey Qualley)--from Brooklyn to New Orleans, in search of a better life. Unfortunately, Joe's spending spree is wildly out of touch with reality, as his apparel business is teetering on the brink of collapse, a fact he refuses to accept. Written and directed by Debbie Goodstein, MIGHTY FINE is told from the perspective of an adult Nathalie remembering the events of her youth, and is inspired by Goodstein's memories of her own father. MIGHTY FINE ultimately shows how coming to terms with the past without judgment is the most fruitful way to move toward the future.
Acting
Palminteri's charm curdles perfectly; MacDowell's silent suffering devastates.
Writing
Autobiographical honesty gives every dinner scene authentic family tension.
Director
Debbie Goodstein
Chazz Palminteri
Joe Fine
Andie MacDowell
Stella Fine
Jodelle Ferland
Natalie Fine
Rainey Qualley
Maddie Fine
Paul Ben-Victor
Bobby
Arthur J. Nascarella
Lenny
Richard Kohnke
Earl
Kent Jude Bernard
Louie
Miles Doleac
Mr. Smith
Tibor Feldman
Dr. Tessler
Ron Flagge
Sam
Joseph Meissner
Veterinarian
Ann McKenzie
Poetry Contest Judge
Geraldine Singer
Gracie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Debbie Goodstein wrote this from her own childhood memories, making the daughters' experiences essentially autobiographical. Rainey Qualley is Andie MacDowell's actual daughter, adding meta-family layers to the mother-daughter tension.
The title's irony deepens when you realize 'mighty fine' is exactly the kind of hollow Southern charm Joe uses to sell both garments and his own self-image — the phrase becomes increasingly hollow as his facade crumbles.
US
