The Baby Dance (1998) Reviews

• Thought provoking film

  henri-91999-04-01

  "Baby Dance" is a fine addition to the onslaught of scrupulous films about birth rights and the dynamics involved when nature is not left to its own design, or is in some fashion revealed prematurely. In "Twilight of the Golds" it was homosexuality, and in "Gattaca" it was genetic predisposition, but Baby Dance is a bit more of a human drama with very real situations. I highly recommend this movie as a thought-provoking, intensely personal look at infertility and adoption. You may not like what you see, but what you see is real and genuine.

• An understated drama with big impact.

  annakulpa2006-10-03

  What a refreshing experience to watch a film where simply superb acting tells the story. Overblown scenes of emotion are almost absent,despite the sensitive subject matter,and yet this has so much more effect. The film has a documentary like quality, which gave me the feeling that I was quietly accompanying the characters on their difficult journeys, as well as learning about different ways of life in another country & community. I felt that this film was not made with the intention to bias the viewer towards any particular party, each of whom had extremely difficult decisions to make & situations to deal with. I like it when I don't have to have 'the moral of the story' rammed down my throat & am left to open ended pondering, which lasts until long after the end of the film. From time to time simply portrayed scenes of family life add beauty, contrast & poignancy to the story line. It may seem far removed, but 'The Baby Dance' reminds me of some of the finest examples of Iranian cinema, such as 'The Apple',where in the midst of seeming catastrophe, life goes on, children play... I was pleasantly surprised that what I thought was going to be a rather trashy 'Tug of love baby' drama, turned out to be a moving & superbly crafted work,which I would like to watch again.

• An Emotional Masterpiece That Will Tug At Your Heart

  gitrich1999-05-13

  Baby Dance is riveting. It is an emotional roller coaster to watch. Outstanding performances by Laura Dern, Stockard Channing, Peter Riegert, and Richard Luckman head up a fine cast.It examines the difficult decisions faced when a mother is to give up her child to strangers. In this case, a rich couple from California cannot have children, so they place an ad for adoption. It is answered by a young couple in Louisiana who are poor and have decided to part with their child at birth. This is one of TVs finest efforts and can be rented as a movie made for TV. Don't miss it!

• See this movie for the magnificent Laura Dern..

  Lee-1071999-08-30

  I saw this movie for 2 reasons - I liked the story and it had Laura Dern. I must say I was not left disappointed on either counts. This is a very realistic movie with very true to life characters portrayed by some really good actors. It raises many an issue and creates that feeling of ambivalence towards the characters that is the mark of truly good piece of work. Our sympathies are conflicted between the poor couple who have to give up their baby because they can't afford to raise another one and the wealthy couple who are ready to adopt it but who have to think of the longterm repercussions of adopting a child who may be mentally retarded. The end is one that elevates all the issues raised in this movie to a final climactic pathos. The movie scores because of its realism, both social and marital. Laura Dern's character is absolutely heartrending as the poor over-burdened but not pitiful Wanda. Our heart goes out to this woman who in all her grief is still an admirable person. Laura Dern has portrayed this character with so much sensitivity, add to that her natural acting genius, she is truly magnificent. Stockard Channing does full justice to her character too, making us feel sorry for her for letting her be ruled by her husband's decisions and the cruel outcome of a proposition that was supposed to fill the void in her life. Peter Riegert does well as the typical practical Richard who has to do his job and see if end product is the one that fulfills their desires. Richard evokes both, a sense of pity and disgust. Richard Lineback as Wanda's husband portrays his character very well. This is a thought-provoking film, directed excellently by Jane Anderson that sees childbirth from a very realistic and contemporary point of view. Recommended.

• Extremely underrated, VERY touching movie.

  Nocgirl722002-05-11

  Wow. What can I say about a movie that was straight to cable? Most made for cable movies get a bad rap but this one is an exception. I was extremely touched by this movie, and super impressed by the performances of Laura Dern and Stockard Channing. I don't have any kids, and have never adopted, but I was touched by what went on in this film. It was a simple story, basic plot, that was wonderfully executed. Jodie Foster was executive producer. Laura Dern plays Wanda, a trailer trash woman pregnant with her 5th child. Her and her redneck husband Al decide to give the baby up to adoption since they cannot afford any more children as they already have 4. Rachel (Stockard Channing) and her husband Richard are a well to do, classy childless couple that is eagerly waiting to adopt their baby. Until Wanda gives birth they are paying all baby related expenses whichs starts to become a problem once they start feeling used since Wanda seems to be using the baby as a bargaining tool for getting what she wants. I will agree with the previous posts that the ending is sad, but extremely moving and it makes me cry every single time I see it. The song played at the end is beautiful. Also anyone that has any knowledge of adoption,should know that adopting a white newborn is tough. The waiting list is years long sometimes which is why couples sometimes are forced to be a little un-selective when it comes to choosing white parents. I thought Laura Dern was awesome as Wanda. I can see how her double digit IQ, irresponsible lifestyle can bug some people but it happens all the time unfortunately. Great movie.