(1983)
4
Brendon Hanley
Though not John Sayles's best film, 1983's oft-forgotten Baby, It's You is an often poignant and original look at young love and the changing lifestyles of the mid-Sixties. For the only time in his career, independent film guru Sayles traded final cut for funding, and many viewers will blame this tradeoff for the film's occasionally faulty pacing. But Sayles is too good a writer and filmmaker for his movies to be anything less than interesting and ultimately gratifying. It turns out that the key that continually saves the castle is the intelligent and insightful performances from the two leads, Vincent Spano and Rosanna Arquette. 1983 was something of a breakthrough year (false, as it turned out) for Spano: besides Baby, It's You, he also had a noticeable role in Francis Ford Coppola's Rumble Fish. Arquette would reach both a good amount of popularity and acclaim in 1985, with her three roles in Desperately Seeking Susan, After Hours, and Silverado. But, in Baby, It's You, they are at least as edgy and confident as they've ever been in their careers. You get the sense that it is not only the characters trying bravely to cut their way through life but also Spano and Arquette.
Baby It's You on AllMovie
Baby It's You (1983)
