Welcome to another edition of Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature whipped up to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.
Today we return to 1996 to revisit ‘The Rich Man’s Wife‘, starring Halle Berry.
Directed by Amy Holden Jones, ‘Wife’ tells the tale of a young impoverished African-American woman who finds love and financial security in a wealthy film director.
When the stress of work and alcoholism begins to take its toll on her occasionally cruel husband, Josie (Berry) plans a romantic trip to a cabin in the woods with hopes it will rescue their marriage.
She’s crushed when he leaves the vacation shortly after their arrival to return to work.
What happens next?
A tale of twists, turns, murder, betrayal and racism when Berry’s character meets a mysterious stranger in a bar and tells him that she often fantasises about what life would be like if he was dead.
It wouldn’t be long before her wish came true.
More below…
Though praised for its efforts to shine a light on the LAPD‘s treatment of African-Americans when dealing with crime, the movie pulled in $8,543,587 at the box office and was slammed by others for what many believe was a confusing but “surprising” ending.
How this affected the response to Berry’s delivery of Josie Potenza? It didn’t.
For, the then 30-year-old actress was lionised for a thrilling performance which showcased her range and nuances that armed her character with the layers responsible for making the movie’s final twist its wildest.
They don’t make movies like they used to. Aja Naomi King would benefit so much if directors had as much creativity when it comes to creativity as they did in the 90s. Nowadays movies leave no room for actors to really perform or show their skill in the way Tv does.
Good movie, good actors, poor execution. Halle’s slayage was real back then. Beyonce tried but failed to compete with her with all those glorified supporting roles she took in the early noughties.
I love this movie!! ??????
Wtf this movie is old and since I each the click of it, it’s nice