To Die For [Region 2] | ![To Die For [Region 2]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519M220XEBL._SL500_.jpg)
| Director: Gus Van Sant
Actors: Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, Illeana Douglas
Category: DVD
Buy Used: $18.63
Rating:  67 reviews
Sales Rank: 267109
Format: Pal
Language: German (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 4040316533980
ASIN: B00005NT5C
Theatrical Release Date: October 6, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com essential video
If anyone ever doubts whether Nicole Kidman is a good actress, they should immediately be required to watch this outrageously wicked comedy from 1995, for which Kidman deservedly won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Leading Role. While director Gus Van Sant handles the fact-based satire with razor-sharp precision, Kidman delivers a deliciously devious performance as Suzanne Stone, a small-town New Hampshire housewife who fancies herself the next Barbara Walters, Jane Pauley, Diane Sawyer, and Maria Shriver all rolled up into one meticulously coiffed package. So determined is she to have a successful career on TV that she'll stop at nothing--even the calculated murder of her husband (Matt Dillon)--to get the attention she feels entitled to. To carry out her scheme she recruits some unwitting local teenagers including one boy (Joaquin Phoenix, matching Kidman's excellence) whose infatuation with Suzanne leads to sexual escapades and predictably troublesome consequences. It's a satirical comedy in Van Sant's capable hands, but it's so close to tabloid reality that the film never seems implausible--which only gives it a funnier, more blood-chilling quality of humor. Featuring Illeanna Douglas, George Segal, and Seinfeld alumnus Wayne Knight in memorable supporting roles, this is one of the best comedies of the '90s--especially if you prefer comedies with a decidedly darker edge. --Jeff Shannon
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| Customer Reviews: Read 62 more reviews...
A Strange And Fascinating Story June 3, 2009
Craig Connell (Lockport, NY USA)
This is a different story and definitely interesting. The movie is listed as a comedy but it's more of a drama. Yes, the comedy is there but it's dark humor and there is violence and tragedy here. It's fascinating, every time I watch it.
Nicole Kidman is very good as the beautiful and ruthless blonde who has big television ambitions. I don't know if I ever saw Kidman look this pretty, which is saying a lot. Matt Dillon co-stars and is excellent, too, as are the two young no-name actors, Joaquin Phoenix and Allison Foland. Ironically, Phoenix went on to become a big star. When this movie came out, few people knew him.
Illena Douglas gives an underrated performance and I always enjoy the odd Dan Hedaya. Anyway, if you want to see something definitely different in the way of a story, this movie falls in that category.
 Your wife's favorite film. April 26, 2009
Joel J. Rossetti (Visalia, CA USA)
Not too far from reality, I'll bet. Distance between "desire" & "obsession" is not that far apart in our mind. Where did that occur in the film? My wife calls this movie her favorite film?????
 Nicole shines but that's about it December 28, 2008
nodice (Manchester, Ga United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
With a screenplay that screams movie of the week-Nicole Kidman turns in a stunning a funny performance-at the time, one that established her as being more than just Mrs. Cruise. (Now we're waiting for the same from the newest Mrs. Cruise.) It's cool to see a young Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck but other than that there's not much else here.
Narcissism Meets Blind Ambition... December 22, 2008
Laurel-Rain Snow - Raine- (Fresno, California)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Lately I have been revisiting old favorite films, perhaps to see if they are as good as I recall. And this one, To Die For, with Nicole Kidman as Suzanne Stone, the self-obsessed ambitious TV personality - actually, a "weather person" for a cable station - whose blind drive leads her down a very dark path, is every bit as good as I remember.
Based on the novel by Joyce Maynard - who, incidentally, plays the lawyer in the film - we learn of a beautiful young woman's quest for a life in front of the television camera; despite her limitations, she imagines herself as the next Barbara Walters.
When she marries a young Italian-American musician, (played by Matt Dillon), whose parents own a restaurant, and who sets aside his dreams to become someone she envisions as an appropriate husband - an insurance salesman - he hopes there will be trade-offs for him. He constantly brings up his desire for a family. But his wife only cares about her own career, her little dog, and the condo they own.
When Suzanne embarks on a "project" with teenagers at the local school - New Hope, New Hampshire - she believes that the documentary will propel her into big-time journalism. The teenagers, however, with their serious limitations, soon are manipulated into the midst of a nefarious plot. And nothing will ever be the same again.
The teen boys - played by Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck - are convincingly cast as the mentally and emotionally challenged pawns.
Gus Van Sant directs, with his usual brilliance; the film was just as haunting this time around and well worth a visit (or revisit).
By Laurel-Rain Snow
Author of:
Chasing Stardust,
Web of Tyranny, etc.
Interesting Movie July 26, 2008
N. Marple
THis is one of Nicole Kidman's earlier movies that is just fun to watch. Unfortuately the fun is loosely based on a true story. But still a good movie to watch.
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