I hadn't seen this movie in 24 years. I was ten years old when it came out on Hollywood Home Theatre (precurser to HBO), and I had to sneak downstairs to watch it. Margaux Hemingway had the most alluring charm combined with an incredible sex appeal. And her wonderful on-screen relationship with her sister only sealed the deal. The movie has a very graphic scene in it, but it isn't nearly as bad as anything considered 'mere' entertainment by today's standards. The obsession that takes place in the movie is very real and incredibly well-acted. Also, Ann Bancroft's interjects an amazing presence before ever appearing on the screen. I saw a preview for some of Mariel's current work and the first thing that popped into my head was 'Lipstick', so I bought it and watched it again. You will love this movie - period.
I'm torn! Not a GOOD movie and a bare bones DVD ...
This was a 1976 drama that probably killed Margaux Hemingway's career as an actress and model, but oddly enough launched her younger sister Muriel into the spotlight! It's a rape drama about a victim (Margaux) who's rapist goes free (Chris Sarandon), and then attacks her younger sister (Muriel) and then all hell breaks loose!
The movie itself is a guilty pleasure - a potboiler melodrama done quite stlyishly, but somehow offensive and not well acted. Would fit in well with a double bill with EYES OF LAURA MARS! The fashion sequences are unique, and also the modern dance is neat to watch. And Margaux running in heels and a red sequin dress with a hunting rifle is a sight to see! I put it on my list of bad movies that I love. It has a SHOWGIRLS sensibility! Tried hard to be artsy and meaningful, but in the end was just too over the top to be anything but camp.
The DVD has a great transfer, but NO special features at all. Not even a trailer! Pity because Margaux died mysteriously, and this is her biggest movie. Memories of her would be welcome as well as why the movie was made. Credits show that a former DA of LA was an advisor, so somebody was trying to say something!
There's something about this movie ...
It's far from being the best film ever made, but LIPSTICK has some special quality about it. Let's first look at the exceptional performances from the cast:
Chris Sarandon - plays the school teacher of the younger sister (Mariel Hemingway) who rapes the older sister first and then the younger sister after being acquitted of the first crime. He really comes across as the creep he is intended to. You grow to hate him, which is the point.
Mariel Hemingway - her acting debut in which she shines. A great performance.
Ann Bancroft - plays the lawyer convincingly. An all round great actress.
Margaux Hemingway - the lead actress, and real-life sister of Mariel (unfortunately died tragically in mid 90's). Not a great actress by any means but she had her moments in the film. Pity about her voice. She was actually a model in real life then, rather than an actress.
The film bombed upon release in 1976 possibly because audiences couldn't accept Margaux trying to switch to acting. These days, such a movie would go straight to TV.
It is worth seeing at least once - The younger sister's performance is that good.
DVD SUMMARY - a bare bones release saved by an impressive transfer (and widescreen anamorphic too!). No trailer included.
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