"For better or for worse." Cliché but seldom are we tested. This is a very unusual story. You think you're watching a romantic comedy at first, albeit one with ominous overtones. It then veers into a very mystical love story. In my opinion, both Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan give the best performances of their careers - and are both absolutely stunning-looking and charismatic. The tone is somewhat "Witches of Eastwick" - though not quite as supernatural - and a little bit "Death Becomes Her" - but less absurdist. The supporting players are all excellent, albeit in very lean roles. A few things to keep in mind: the movie is adapted from a 1990 play and can seem a bit stagey at times. Alec Baldwin recreates the role he had created on Broadway. (Mary Louise Parker had created the role on Broadway but the studio insisted on Ryan - Ryan was restrained and very good but her participation gave the impression to audiences that they were in rom-com territory: expectations were set - then dashed - as this is not a rom-com and is at times is very disturbing. Although she was not well-known at the time, MLP may have made this film remembered more fondly.) The writer/director team is also the same as the Broadway play and the writer and director had previously collaborated on Longtime Companion. That is important because deep- down Prelude to a Kiss is a metaphor for loving someone whose clock is ticking - loving someone despite the illness and decay. About true love - and its limits - and appreciating what we have while we have it - it's a little gem of a movie although you need to suspend your disbelief and focus on the three (yes, three) lead performances.
Prelude to a Kiss
1992
Comedy / Fantasy / Romance
Prelude to a Kiss
1992
Comedy / Fantasy / Romance
Plot summary
In Chicago, Peter Hoskins and Rita Boyle meet at a party. Beyond their immediate attraction, they quickly fall in love despite the differences in their outlooks. Peter emerged more than intact from a difficult childhood to have a sense of wonder about life. Conversely, Rita, who grew up in an upper middle class home in suburban Lake Forest, can't help but be scared of life in seeing the world's problems all around her, her socialist viewpoints which she has never been able to convey to her conservative parents, Dr. Marshall and Marian Boyle. After a short but intense courtship, they decide to get married in a tasteful backyard ceremony at her parents' house. It is during their honeymoon in Jamaica that Peter comes to a realization that who is with him on this honeymoon may be Rita in body, but not in soul or spirit. Upon meeting him again back in Chicago, Peter believes that the soul inhabiting Rita's body belongs to the old man who crashed their wedding, he who requested a kiss from Rita, which she obliged. The old man, into whose body Rita's soul has moved, confirms as much. Peter has to decide who he will confide in in this rather fantastical story in his effort to switch the souls back into their rightful bodies, which may not be as easy as just getting Rita and the old man proverbially in the same room. Peter also learns that time is of the essence when he learns of the old man's own story.
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Unique, Romantic, Odd
One of my all time favourite films
L absolutely love this film. It is my favourite Meg Ryan film and it has a killer cast, including Alec Baldwin, Patty Duke, Ned Beatty and a young Stanley Tucci. It is well written and based on a play written by the same playwright/screenwriter. It is a very entertaining film that is a rom com with some fantasy thrown in. Everyone was well cast for their roles and Meg is magical. If you have never seen this film, give it a view and you might find a new favourite for yourself.
Are you an optimist? Don't miss this film!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The plot is compelling and original. It is part love story, part mystery. Every time I watch it I feel transported to a place of mystery and faith. How many movies accomplish putting on the screen the power of love and the vital importance of who we are inside? Alec Baldwin is utterly convincing as he plays the part of the soul-mate who has lost is partner to the body of a dying old man. Meg Ryan radiant as a woman who never sleeps and who by the end of the movie has rediscovered hope. Watching this film should be considered medicine for the body and soul. Are you an optimist? Don't miss this film! Highly recommended.