See a sneak peak of "Eight Heads in a Duffle Bag." Starring Joe Pesci, this film follows the troubles of a mobster, whose luggage (containing his latest victims' heads) ends up in the wrong hands. Brought to the University by Cinema Guild, the free screening will begin at 8 p.m. in the Nat. Sci. auditorium. Passes will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. Wednesday April 16, 1997 Love makes 'World' go round By Prashant Tamaskar Daily Arts Writer A love affair with a writer can be a wonderful, heartbreaking experience. Director Dan Ireland thoughtfully brings this idea to fruition in "The Whole Wide World," the poignant, true story of the relationship between Novalyne Price, a Texas school- teacher, and Robert Howard, the famed creator of pulp classics like "Conan the Barbarian" and The "Red Sonja." ,. Set in the 1930s, the film opens when Novalyne (Renee Zellweger), herself a hopeful author, is introduced to Robert (Vincent D'Onofrio) by a mutual friend. The attraction is immediate, and despite being warned of his pecu- liarities, she starts spending a lot of time with him. Although things go smoothly at first, Robert's opinions and behaviors begin to tear them apart. His cynical view of mankind facilitates a social ineptitude that embarrasses Novalyne. Moreover, w his criticism of her writing, which he K"+ feels is worthless because of its focus on the troubles of everyday life and not the fantastic, does not help foster their union. They finally break up when Robert, vXcaught up in his individuality and in deviating from society, refuses to com- mit to Novalyne in a conventional man- Top: Novalyne Price (Renee Zeliweger) and Robert Howard (Vincent D'Onofrio) have an affair to remember in Dan Ireland's ner. She dates another man, but still has "The Whole Wide World." Bottom left: Director Dan Ireland works with D'Onofrio. Bottom right: Novalyne and Robert enjoy strong feelings for Robert, who himself their love In nature's wild. is heartbroken. The two remain in close Daniels' directorial debut makes for success contact, and the rest of the film concen- trates on their ever-changing relation- ship. The interaction between the duo could be better developed in "The Whole Wide World," which is surpris- ing considering this element is the pri- mary focus of the movie. Their bond is an unusual one, and it is a bit difficult to comprehend. EVIEW Whole Wide World At Ann Arbor 1 & 2 Director Ireland does not elaborate enough on the ini- tial attraction between Novalyne and Robert. Rather, he quickly pushes them together, and then concerns himself with their seemingly inevitable dissolution. Yet, the film is successful because their detachment is so stirring. Although their love may have been confusing, the pain that both Novalyne and Robert feel is genuine, bringing authenticity to their relation- ship. And, the audience is put through an emotional tug-of-war as the lead characters constantly mend their problems, only to sever their ties again. As individuals, Novalyne and Robert are adroitly developed, featur- ing a complexity of emotions not nor- mally associated with that historical period. The lively Novalyne occasion- ally displays the almost servile femi- nine etiquette expected of her, but more often is aggressive and takes ini- tiative. Ambitious and stable even when stricken with grief, she thankful- ly is not portrayed as a damsel-in-dis- tress. Renee Zellweger, who won the National Board of Review award for Best Breakthrough Performer for her work in this movie and "Jerry Maguire," is effective despite an inconsistent Texas accent. She is par- ticularly convincing in scenes where Novalyne and Robert are having diffi- culties, conveying emotions to the proper extent without reverting to manipulative dramatics or underact- ing. As played by Vincent D'Onofrio, Robert is an awkward but engaging character, whose love foretelling stories is only matched by his loathing of-the people around him. His hatred is pre- cipitated by the town's view of him as a lazy eccentric who fails his parents by wasting time writing instead of working at a "real" job. D'Onofrio nicely captures the charm, sensitivity, anger and crudeness that Robert exhibits at any given moment. With his hearty chuckle and discom- forting mannerisms, the actor helps make the varying course of the relation- ship seem like the only logical progres- sion. Although the film is occasionally uncertain about where it wants to go, "The Whole Wide World" uses intelli- gent character development and the talent of its stars to engross the audi- ence. The realistic expression of emotion and Ireland's deft direction in the sec- ond half of the movie lend believability to a romance that on paper seems about as implausible as a "Conan the Barbarian" story. 1 a ,n' By Evelyn Miska For the Daily This weekend, Chelsea's Purple Rose Theatre was full of prostitutes, tran- sients, retirees and hotel employees - in actor and director Jeff Daniels' latest production of Lanford Wilson's play "The Hot L Baltimore." Set in the decaying Hotel Baltimore in the '70s, the play gives a glimpse of undesirable people's hopes and dreams. The play opens when the residents of The Hotel Baltimore are given a one- month notice before the hotel will be torn down. The characters making up this ill-favored cross section of society have hearts, dreams and convictions just like everyone else. "The Hot L Baltimore" was written by Lanford Wilson, who was a founding member of the Circle Repertory Company in New York City and a resi- dent playwright there from 1969 to 1995. "The Hot L Baltimore" debuted in 1973 and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Obie Award for Best New Play. This 25th production by the Purple Rose Theatre Company also marks Jeff Daniels' directorial debut. Daniels, per- haps best known for performances in such movies as "Speed" and "Dumb and Dumber," is in his sixth season as Executive Director of Purple Rose. In addition to a reputable acting career, Daniels has also written six plays for Purple Rose, including "The Tropical Pickle" and, most recently, "Apartment 3A." "The Hot L R1 Baltimore" had a cast of 15, thus making it the largest cast ever Purp assembled for a Purple Rose pro- duction. As previously mentioned, the characters are comprised of prostitutes, retirees, transients and hotel employ- ees. The three prostitutes were played by Kate Peckham, Sandra Birch and Gina Hieber. Peckham's character was a girl of about 19, and even though her trade was less than desirable, her personality was incredible. Peckham was outstanding; she created a char- acter who was full of life and passion. Her inability to sit still and her habit of talking a mile a minute never let the audience forget that this jaded prostitute was also a teen-ager with feelings and emotions. Birch played the character of April Green, a woman in the same trade as Peckham's character, but with a person- ality as different as night and day. Birch portrayed a cynical and coarse prosti- tute who likes to act as if she doesn't care about anything. By the end of the play, though, the audience sees a glimmer of a good and caring heart buried underneath all her protective armor. Birch was extremely convincing in her role, and she created a wonderful mixture of raucous comedy and touching sentimentality. The retirees were played by Bee Vary and Leo McNamara. Vary played Millie, a quiet and gentle old woman who also happened to be clairvoyant. Millie charmed the audi- EVIEW The Hot L Baltimore le Rose Theatre April 12.1997 who, when upset, the broom closet. ence, and she was excellent as the wise and caring grandmother type. McNamara played Mr. Morse, a grumpy and com- plaining old man goes and hides in The staff of the hotel was played by Joseph Albright, Wayne David Parker and Mary Pettit. Albright's character was the night manager of the hotel, and was perhaps the most human of the hotel staff. While the Peckam's incessant chatter often got on his nerves, it was easy to see he cares for these people, no matter what their occupation. "The Hot L Baltimore" is an incredi- ble show. Wilson's play gives the audi- ence a slice of society not commonly seen. While the characters may not be the most upstanding members of the com- munity, Wilson artfully traces their hopes and dreams. With an outstanding cast and an incredible script, "The Hot L Baltimore" was a unique combination of tragedy and comedy, and definitely a show not to be missed. ACCURATE FAST PROFESSIONAL Receive $2 off a resume package with this ad. One per customer. Not valid withi other offers. Expies May 9,1997 Grade A Notes at Ulrich's Bookstore 549 E. University 9 Second Floor " CALL 741-9669 "The Hot L Baltimore" graced the Purple Rose Theatre Company stage Saturday. _ : _ a1 . > - The Office Of New Student Programs is looking for ORIENTATION LEADERS for Fall 1997. You must be available from August 27 through August 29. Please pick-up an application If you're interested In..... Visual Basic, OLE, Active X, Visual C++, Custom Control Building, SQL/ODBC, M, QuakeC Client Server, or Web Programing ...then we're interested in you. ............... - ..... .............