Places in the Heart

Directed by Robert Benton, Places in the Heart follows Sally Field’s Depression-era Edna Spalding as she attempts to earn enough money to sustain her family after the sudden death of husband Royce (Ray Baker). Filmmaker Benton, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a slow-moving yet increasingly absorbing drama that benefits from Field’s often mesmerizing turn as the sympathetic protagonist, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that Field’s top-notch work is matched by such superb periphery players as John Malkovich, Danny Glover, and Amy Madigan. It’s clear, too, that the movie’s ultimate success is due in no small part to its growing (and completely irresistible) emphasis on Edna’s friendship with her two boarders (Glover’s Moses and Malkovich’s Mr. Will), and while the inclusion of a fairly pointless subplot involving Ed Harris’ philandering figure does little to elevate the proceedings, Places in the Heart, which also boasts an unexpectedly riveting storm sequence, builds towards a satisfying climactic stretch that’s more emotionally resonant than one might’ve anticipated – with the final result a first-class endeavor overflowing with memorable digressions and character interactions.

***1/2 out of ****