The Waterdance Movie Review

Neal Jimenez, who was paralyzed in a 1984 accident, wrote and co-directed The Waterdance, an exceptional film about the trials and tribulations of adjusting to paralysis. Eric Stoltz is wisely cast as Joel, the central character, and Helen Hunt delivers her usual beautifully understated performance as his girlfriend Anna. Wesley Snipes is a flamboyant scene stealer as Ray, who becomes the unlikely friend of Bloss, the bitter white hiker played by William Forsythe. Realistic and funny details make The Waterdance a fine video pick. Unaccountably, there were no long lines at the box office for this winning film, co-directed by Michael Steinberg.

1991 (R) 106m/C Eric Stoltz, Wesley Snipes, William Forsythe, Helen Hunt, Elizabeth Pena, Grace Zabriskie; D: Neal Jimenez, Michael Steinberg; W: Neal Jimenez; C: Mark Plummer; M: Michael Convertino. Independent Spirit Awards ‘93: Best First Feature, Best Screenplay; Sundance Film Festival ‘92: Best Screenplay, Audience Award. VHS, LV, Closed Caption