November 6, 1995 -- ``To Die For'' is an off-beat documentary-style film that could have been based on a true story. It is much like those weird murder cases such as the school teacher who seduced one of her students into killing her husband.

The brilliantly black comedic screenplay was written by Buck Henry, who also plays the part of a teacher in the film. Off-beat director Gus Van Sant and editor Curtiss Clayton do a good job of splicing together the different elements of the film, including documentary-style footage and talk show television scenes. The story is told entirely in flashback.

It takes place in Little Hope, N.H., where Suzanne Stone (brilliantly played by Nicole Kidman) is a cable weather person. She is ruthless and will do anything to advance her career, even kill her husband, Larry Maretto (Matt Dillon). This film is witty and smart and funny. That's a rare combination these days. The last scene in the movie, showing an ice skater, is as chilling as anything I've ever seen. This film rates an A.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 1995 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.