Nadine (1987)

Set in 1954 Texas, a dingbat (Kim Basinger) attempts to get back the semi nude photos she posed for from the photographer (Jerry Stiller) but while she's waiting in another room, he's murdered. But when she involves her soon to be ex-husband (Jeff Bridges) into obtaining the photos, they find themselves involved in something bigger and more dangerous than they expected. Directed by the Oscar winning Robert Benton (KRAMER VS. KRAMER), this rather anemic comedy (as empty headed as its heroine) depends way too much on the likability of its two leads to carry our good will to its predictable conclusion. Basinger and Bridges play white trash impeccably but the screenplay doesn't give them any opportunity to flesh out their characters so we have to settle for the stereotype. On the plus side, the cinematography by Nestor Almendros (DAYS OF HEAVEN) has an appropriately bleak and dusty period look to it. A moderately pleasant time waster is the best one can say for it. With Rip Torn as the rattlesnake toting villain, Gwen Verdon, Glenne Headly and Jay Patterson.