🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the 1993 film “A Dangerous Woman,” directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal and based on the novel by Mary McGarry Morris, the audience is drawn into the captivating story of Martha Horgan, portrayed by the talented Debra Winger. Martha is a complex character, a withdrawn and mentally disabled woman who lives with her aunt, Frances, played by Barbara Hershey.
One of Martha’s defining traits is her inability to lie, a quality that leads to her dismissal from a dry-cleaning shop due to the actions of the untrustworthy Getso, played by David Strathairn. Conflict seems to follow Martha as she becomes romantically entangled with Mackey, a local fix-it man portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, who is also involved with Frances.
Debra Winger’s portrayal of Martha is nothing short of mesmerizing. With intelligence and depth, she immerses herself in the role, bringing Martha’s complexities and vulnerabilities to life on screen. Martha’s journey is one of resilience and inner strength, despite the challenges she faces in a world that often misunderstands her.
The film delves into themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery as Martha navigates relationships fraught with deception and emotional turmoil. As Martha’s story unfolds, the audience is taken on a poignant and emotional journey, witnessing her struggles and triumphs in a society that underestimates her.
Supported by a talented cast including Chloe Webb as Birdie, “A Dangerous Woman” is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart. With a compelling narrative and powerful performances, the film captivates viewers and leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Debra Winger, Barbara Hershey, Gabriel Byrne, Laurie Metcalf, John Terry, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chloe Webb, David Strathairn
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Debra Winger | Martha Horgan – Niece |
| Barbara Hershey | Frances Beechum – Aunt |
| Gabriel Byrne | Colin “Mac” Mackey – Alcoholic Handyman |
| Laurie Metcalf | Anita Bell – Steve’s Wife |
| John Terry | Steve Bell – Politician |
| Maggie Gyllenhaal | Patsy Bell – Steve’s Daughter |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Movie Review: A Dangerous Woman (1993)
Imagine a world where danger doesn’t wield a gun or seductive charm but instead lurks in the complexities of human emotions. Welcome to “A Dangerous Woman,” a film that trades traditional thrills for an exploration of the intricacies of character and relationships.
In this cinematic landscape, Debra Winger shines like a beacon, portraying Martha with such finesse that she seems to transcend the tangled web of the plot. Her performance is the beating heart of this narrative, drawing viewers into a realm where emotions run deep and motivations are as murky as a foggy morning.
The ensemble cast, including stalwarts like Barbara Hershey and Gabriel Byrne, adds layers to the story. However, even their high-voltage presence can’t fully salvage what some critics have deemed as an “extremely muddled melodrama.” While opinions may differ on the film’s overall impact, one thing remains certain – Winger’s portrayal of Martha is nothing short of mesmerizing.
The movie stays true to its title, offering a different kind of danger – one rooted in the psyche rather than physical threats. Martha, brought to life by Winger’s interpretation, captivates with her complexity, leaving viewers both intrigued and unsettled by her character’s evolution.
- Acting and Characters: Debra Winger’s performance as Martha is a masterclass in subtlety and depth. She navigates Martha’s emotional journey with such nuance that it’s hard not to be drawn into her world.
- Direction: Stephen Gyllenhaal’s direction allows space for character development, focusing on introspection rather than external drama. The result is a film that dwells in the realm of emotions.
- Production Design: The setting mirrors Martha’s internal turmoil – understated yet rich in detail. Each frame feels like a window into her psyche.
- Cinematography: The cinematography captures Martha’s inner conflicts through subtle framing and lighting choices, adding another layer to Winger’s performance.
- Score: The score complements the emotional depth of the story, enhancing pivotal moments without overpowering them.
Binge-watching Tip: Take breaks between scenes to savor the nuances of Winger’s performance and unravel the layers of Martha’s character.
“A Dangerous Woman” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, given its focus on internal struggles rather than external action. However, for those willing to delve into the complexities of human behavior and relationships, this film offers a thought-provoking journey led by Debra Winger’s stellar performance.
In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a character-driven narrative that delves deep into the human psyche, “A Dangerous Woman” is worth adding to your watchlist. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster guided by Winger’s impeccable acting prowess.
Rating: 8/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engrossing tale | Muddled melodrama |
| Believable storyline | Not as good as the book |
| Wonderful acting | High-voltage cast couldn’t save the movie |
| Debra Winger’s performance | Plot inventions |
| Complex character portrayal | Exasperating at times |
Feedback
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A Dangerous Woman (1993 film) - Wikipedia
102 minutes Country United States Language English Box office $1,497,222 A Dangerous Womanis a 1993 American romantic drama film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal. The screenplay was written by his wife Naomi Foner, loosely based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Mary McGarry Morris. The feature was co-produced by Amblin Entertainment and Gramercy Pictures. It stars Debra Winger, Barbara Hershey and Gabriel Byrne. It included Gyllenhaal and Foner’s two children, Jake and Maggie, who later developed acting careers.
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A Dangerous Woman (1993) - Plot - IMDb
- Martha Horgan, a naive woman with an intellectual impairment who lives with her aunt Frances in a small town, is known for always telling truth.
- Martha Horgan, a naive woman with an intellectual impairment who lives with her aunt Frances in a small town, is known for always telling the truth. She works at a dry cleaner, where her compulsive truth-telling leads her to report to the boss that another employee has been stealing from the cash register. The thief, in turn, accuses Martha, and she loses her job. In the mean time, a mysterious stranger named Mackey appears at Martha’s residence after learning that Aunt Frances needs her porch repaired. Mackey is hired and becomes intimately involved with Martha… which only leads to tragedy.—A K 4 7 <ak47@cyberverse.com>
- Martha Horgan is a plain, mentally challenged woman, although her disability has never been officially medically diagnosed. Martha lives in the guest house of her wealthy aunt, Frances Beechum, who is only a few years older than Martha herself. Frances has taken care of Martha since they were kids. To satisfy her own emotional needs, Frances is having an affair with politician Steve Bell, the affair which they deny when confronted by Steve’s wife, Anita Bell. Unknown to Martha, Frances is paying the wages for her job at the dry cleaners, the job to give Martha an adult sense of purpose. Martha, in her mental state, has a difficult time telling lies, which in combination with her naivety results in her being easily taken advantage of. These issues place Martha in a bad state at work, and places a wedge between her and her only real friend Birdy over an issue concerning Birdy’s less than straight-up boyfriend, Getso. So Martha welcomes the friendship of Mackey, a drifter who admits he drinks a little too much and who is able to finagle his way into a handyman job for Frances reconstructing her damaged front porch. These relationships in combination lead to Martha needing to lie to save her life, something which she may not be able to do or comprehend the consequences if she doesn’t.—Huggo
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A Dangerous Woman (1993) - YouTube
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “A Dangerous Woman,” Debra Winger delivers a mesmerizing performance as Martha, a woman who is portrayed as slow or somewhat intellectually challenged. Living in a small town, Martha is taken care of by her relative Frances, played by Barbara Hershey. The dynamics between the two women shift when an alcoholic handyman named Mackey, portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, enters their lives.
Martha’s character is depicted with great depth and sensitivity by Winger. She meticulously embodies Martha’s mannerisms, from her focused walking to her intense scrutiny of people’s facial expressions. Winger’s portrayal makes Martha a character the audience can empathize with, rather than just pity.
The movie delves into the interconnected lives of Martha, Frances, Mackey, and another local man named Getso, played by David Strathairn. As Mackey becomes involved with both women, the storyline takes unexpected turns, leading to a series of events including a pregnancy, a killing, and a secret that adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
While the film primarily focuses on the emotional journeys of Martha and Frances, it also introduces elements of melodrama and violence to drive the plot forward. The portrayal of Mackey as a morally ambiguous character adds intrigue to the story, although at times his actions seem more driven by the plot’s demands rather than genuine character development.
As the relationships between the characters evolve, the movie raises thought-provoking questions about loneliness, desperation, and the complexities of human interactions. Despite some narrative inconsistencies and reliance on sensational plot devices, “A Dangerous Woman” succeeds in exploring the nuances of its characters’ lives and relationships.
Overall, Debra Winger’s transformative performance, supported by a talented cast, elevates “A Dangerous Woman” into a compelling exploration of human nature and the intricacies of personal connections in a small town setting.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating:
A Dangerous Woman is rated R for mature thematic elements, including sexuality and violence.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that A Dangerous Woman contains mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Here is a detailed parental guide to help you make an informed decision about whether the movie is appropriate for your child:
- Sex & Nudity:
- The movie includes scenes with sexual content, including implied sexual relationships between characters.
- There are moments of sensuality and sexual tension depicted throughout the film.
- Violence & Gore:
- There are instances of violence, including physical altercations and confrontations between characters.
- Some scenes may be intense and include moments of emotional turmoil and aggression.
- Profanity:
- The film contains moderate to strong language, including profanity and cursing.
- There may be instances of verbal abuse and heated arguments between characters.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
- There are no prominent scenes depicting substance abuse, but characters may be seen consuming alcohol in social settings.
- Smoking may be shown in certain scenes.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes:
- The movie deals with complex themes and emotional struggles that may be intense for some viewers.
- Some scenes may be unsettling or emotionally charged.
Overall, A Dangerous Woman is a thought-provoking film that delves into mature subject matter and emotional depth. Parents are advised to consider the content and themes of the movie before allowing younger viewers to watch it.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Video |
| YouTube | Available for rent or purchase on YouTube |
| Vudu | Available for rent or purchase on Vudu |
| Microsoft Store | Available for rent or purchase on Microsoft Store |
| Apple TV | Available for rent or purchase on Apple TV |
| Movies Anywhere | Purchase A Dangerous Woman on Movies Anywhere and stream instantly or download offline |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Sometimes we have to tell lies to get to the truth.
There are those who say Mackey raped her, that he took advantage of her. But Martha wouldn't say that. She called it love. And maybe it was.
You don't have to lie, Martha.
I *don't* lie.
I'm a professional a**hole. I gotta find a new line of work. This is taking its toll.
If there's a God out there he's gotta be laughing.
🤖A Dangerous Woman Reddit Talks
A Dangerous Woman (1993)
- Plot Summary: Martha Horgan, a naive woman with an intellectual impairment, lives with her aunt Frances in a small town. She is known for always telling the truth, even when it’s inconvenient or dangerous. When a local businessman is murdered, Martha becomes a suspect because she was the last person to see him alive.
Discussion Topics:
- The film’s portrayal of intellectual disability: Some viewers praised the film for its realistic and sympathetic portrayal of Martha’s character. Others felt that the film exploited her disability for shock value.
- The film’s depiction of small-town life: The film offers a glimpse into the lives of the residents of a small town. Some viewers found the film’s portrayal of small-town life to be accurate and authentic. Others felt that the film was too stereotypical and one-dimensional.
- The film’s mystery plot: The film’s mystery plot is well-crafted and suspenseful. However, some viewers felt that the ending was too predictable.
Overall Reception:
The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film’s performances and its realistic portrayal of intellectual disability. Others felt that the film was too exploitative and that its mystery plot was too predictable.
Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman”
- Album Release: Ariana Grande’s album “Dangerous Woman” was released in 2016.
- Ariana Grande’s Age: Ariana Grande was 22 years old when she released “Dangerous Woman.”
Discussion Topics:
- The album’s musical style: “Dangerous Woman” is a pop album with R&B and hip-hop influences. Some fans praised the album’s diverse sound, while others felt that it was too eclectic.
- The album’s lyrical content: The album’s lyrics explore themes of love, sex, and empowerment. Some fans praised the album’s honest and relatable lyrics, while others felt that they were too explicit.
- The album’s commercial success: “Dangerous Woman” was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s lead single, “Dangerous Woman,” was also a hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Overall Reception:
“Dangerous Woman” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the album’s musical style and lyrical content, while others felt that it was too eclectic and explicit. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/171g52m/a_dangerous_woman_1993/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/popheads/comments/8varka/ariana_grande_reveals_that_dangerous_woman_tour/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ariheads/comments/12g4olc/semi_hot_take_dangerous_woman_was_the_best_era/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ariheads/comments/hoppvv/does_anyone_miss_the_dangerous_woman_era_it_was/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ariheads/comments/jb54ya/dangerous_woman_great_song_terrible_music_video/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of A Dangerous Woman?
In “A Dangerous Woman,” the story follows Martha Horgan, a mentally disabled woman who lives with her aunt Frances. Martha’s unique trait of always telling the truth leads to her getting fired from a job due to the actions of a dishonest individual. The plot thickens as conflict arises when Martha becomes romantically involved with a local man named Mackey.
Who are the main actors in A Dangerous Woman?
The main actors in “A Dangerous Woman” include Debra Winger as Martha, Barbara Hershey as Frances, Gabriel Byrne as Mackey, and David Strathairn as Getso.
What genre does A Dangerous Woman fall under?
“A Dangerous Woman” is categorized as a romantic drama film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal. The screenplay, written by Naomi Foner, is loosely based on the characters and story from the original novel.
Is A Dangerous Woman worth watching for its performances?
Yes, “A Dangerous Woman” is known for its captivating performances, especially that of Debra Winger as Martha. Her portrayal of the character adds depth and emotion to the film, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate powerful acting.
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