Used People

Used People is a touching and profound 1992 dramedy, directed by Beeban Kidron, which captures the chaotic beauty of family life, a lifelong quest for romance, the joy of newfound love, and the inherent wisdom that comes with age. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, and Marcia Gay Harden, the film presents a deep exploration into themes of love, loss, and the unpredictability of life.

In the film, Shirley MacLaine shines as Pearl Berman, a widowed, sharp-tongued but charismatic Jewish mother living in 1969 Queens, New York. Already grappling with the loss of her husband, Pearl finds herself living with her close-knit, eccentric family, each dealing with their crises. The family comprises her strong-willed mother, Freida (Jessica Tandy), her two distinctly different daughters, Bibby (Marcia Gay Harden) and Norma (Kathy Bates), and Norma's aloof, magician husband, Jack (Gil Bellows).

MacLaine's portrayal of Pearl is honest and relatable, encompassing the character's intense grief, her struggle to understand her quirky family, and her desire for a second chance at love. Pearl's desolate life takes a surprising turn when she is approached by Joe Meledandri (Marcello Mastroianni), an Italian man who had silently admired her ever since she was a bride 23 years ago. His unexpected proposition of love propels the story into a whirlwind of emotions, interactions, and revelations.

Complicating family dynamics, the film uses humor and drama to tackle larger issues that surround family disputes, old rivalries, struggles, and battling personal demons. Kathy Bates plays Norma, a divorcee who has a tendency to link her life occurrences to landmark historical events, providing a quirky yet emotional aspect to her character. Meanwhile, Marcia Gay Harden portrays an eccentric want-to-be actress, Bibby, whose limited self-worth makes her own path of love and success more challenging.

The film is not just about love and loss; it also represents the female experience in a patriarchal society. Used People deals with the joys and challenges that these women face, each in their unique circumstances, be it motherhood, marriage, professional success, or individuality. As they navigate through the trials and tribulations of their personal lives, they often find themselves intersecting with the societal norms of the time.

The film boasts atmospheric 1969 Queen's ambiance, complete with marvelous set pieces and nostalgic costumes, further complementing the overall narrative. Used People uses an intricate montage of 60s pop culture and historical references to root viewers in the time frame, adding a certain charm to the film.

The genuine performances by the stellar, academy-award winning cast make the movie engaging and emotionally invested. Especially noteworthy is the performance by Jessica Tandy, who, despite her age, gives an energetic performance as the vociferous matriarch, both voicing her toxicity and yearning for better times.

Marcello Mastroianni adds continental charm to the film with his performance as the persistent suitor, Joe. Even when expressing his feelings to Pearl in broken English, Joe’s character resonates with sincerity, grace, and vulnerability and molds himself into an essential character who emboldens the intricacies of the storyline.

Director Beeban Kidron, along with writers Todd Graff and Deena Goldstone, beautifully craft this narrative of love, relationships, and resilience, blending laughter and tears seamlessly. The movie becomes a testament to the power of second chances, revealing that age is, after all, just a number, especially when it comes to love and longing.

Used People is a multigenerational saga, its depth augmented by characters, each of them compellingly distinct yet tied together by the common thread of yearning, resilience, and quest for love. With hilarious moments juxtaposed with heartfelt revelations, the movie gives us a snapshot of life's unpredictable, chaotic, and beautiful nature — reminding us of the importance of family, self-love, second chances, and, most importantly, the courage to change. This film is an engaging, endearing, and heartwarming narrative that transcends the conventional cinematic experience.