The Mark Childress page
Movies
CRAZY IN ALABAMA, the movie, starring Melanie Griffith, directed by Antonio Banderas, was released by Columbia Pictures in 1999. The film appeared at he San Sebastian International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Lion d'Or. The film won the ALMA Award and the European Film Award for its director.
Although the movie was widely panned upon its release, some reviewers did like it - CLICK HERE TO READ REVIEWS - and it has since become an enduring cult classic through repeated airings on cable TV. We had a blast making this movie on location in Houma, Louisiana, New Orleans, on the backlots and streets of Hollywood, and in the Mojave desert. The crew was great, the actors were fantastic, Melanie and Antonio were very supportive colleagues.
I was particularly delighted that my dear friend, the novelist Fannie Flagg, consented to play the small but pivotal role of Sallie the waitress. Fannie lights up the screen!
Here's a little scene from the opening that was cut from the final film:
All at once the LOCUSTS HUSH. A deadly SILENCE FALLS.
MEEMAW
I’ve heard enough. I’m going inside.
Leaping up from the swing, Lucille grasps Meemaw by the shoulders. The 8 x 10s fan out across the ground.
LUCILLE
Wait, Mama, listen to me, I am not playing games!
MEEMAW
Let me go. I don’t want to -
LUCILLE
All I’m asking is for you to look after my kids for one lousy month. I have never asked you for anything.
MEEMAW
Lucille -
LUCILLE
I’ve been waiting my whole life for this chance and now I’m gonna take it, do you hear me?
(pause)
He said no when he should have said yes.
(pause)
Mama. I killed him.
