WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN

WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN turns out to be too predictable, a trifle too pat, too unrealistic. The story revolves around a happily married couple, Alice and Michael Green (Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia) and their two young daughters, Casey and Jess. Alice’s drinking problem becomes apparent in the opening scenes of the film when she runs from the house, climbs on a car and smashes eggs on the top and windshield. Alice’s loss of self-control increases because of drinking, and since Michael is a pilot, he is not there to help. Michael also contradicts Alice when she tells Jess to do things, all of which adds to Alice’s frustration. One night when Michael is gone, Alice takes a shower, passes out and crashes through the glass door. The incident brings Michael home, and he realizes she needs help, so Alice enters an alcoholic rehabilitation center.

Movie writer Ron Bass notes: “The idea was to do something about the spouse, what it’s like to be married to someone like that.” The movie covers an important subject but fails to be convincing. Alice always looks great! Surely, a true alcoholic would be somewhat disheveled. Both Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia turn in credible performances, and the film does portray the heartache, the frustration and the sadness for children that alcoholism produces.