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NELL – Mark Isham
THROWBACK THIRTY
Original Review by Jonathan Broxton
Nell is a fascinating film that explores themes of human connection, individuality, and the boundaries between nature and civilization, which challenges viewers to think about how society treats those who are different and the ethical implications of trying to “help” them. Based on Mark Handley’s 1985 play ‘Idioglossia,’ and directed by Michael Apted, the film stars Jodie Foster in the title role as a young woman who has grown up in isolation in a remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. When her mother dies, Nell is ‘discovered’ by local doctor Jerome Lovell (Liam Neeson), who finds that Nell apparently speaks her own unique language and has a different way of interacting with the world, which has been shaped by her solitude and her limited human contact. Lovell calls Paula Olsen (Natasha Richardson), a psychologist, for help, and they begin studying Nell to understand her behavior and language. As they spend time with her, they discover that Nell is highly intelligent, emotionally insightful, and capable of connecting with others despite her differences. However, Nell’s presence also raises questions about the ethics of interfering with someone’s life and the societal need to label and categorize people who are different. Read more…
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