In the past few years, the USA has tried to present an image of national unity, but deep divisions still exist within the country. One of the most contentious issues is abortion, which ignites passions rarely seen in other modern democracies. Some observers liken this issue to the debate over slavery in the early 19th century, fearing it may have similar consequences. This is why Hollywood studios have shied away from tackling this controversial subject. However, cable television has been more daring, producing some compelling films in the 1990s, with the most notable being the 1996 anthology film If These Walls Could Talk.
The film unfolds in the same house during three different time periods. The first segment, directed by Nancy Savoca, is set in 1952. Claire Donnelly (played by Demi Moore), a nurse whose husband died in the Korean War, finds herself facing an unwanted pregnancy after a brief affair with her brother-in-law. Abortion is illegal at the time, leaving Claire with limited and risky options. The second segment, also directed by Nancy Savoca, takes place in 1974, shortly after abortion was legalized. Barbara Barrows (played by Sissy Spacek), a married mother of four, grapples with the repercussions of an unexpected pregnancy on her family's plans. The final segment, set in 1996 and directed by Cher, follows Christine Cullen (played by Anne Heche), an architecture student who becomes pregnant by her professor and must navigate her choices amidst anti-abortion activism targeting a local clinic.
The creators of If These Walls Could Talk clearly support a particular stance on abortion, but they manage to avoid turning the film into overt propaganda. Despite their bias, Savoca and Cher effectively direct their segments, creating a cohesive narrative. The first segment stands out for its naturalistic portrayal of women grappling with illegal abortion, though its graphic scenes may be unsettling for some viewers. In contrast, the last segment veers closest to propaganda with its sharp criticism of the anti-abortion movement. However, Cher's direction partially redeems the segment, despite her unconventional casting as an abortion doctor. While not as impactful as Rain Without Thunder, this TV production demonstrates that American filmmakers can still tackle serious issues.
Rating: 7/10 (+++)
(Original text posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on May 14th, 2003)
Watch the trailer here.
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