SAVAGE GRACE

SAVAGE GRACE is the true story of Barbara Daly (played by Julianne Moore), the dashing heiress to the Bakelite plastics fortune, who marries above her class to Brooks Baekeland (played by Stephen Dillane). Although beautiful and charismatic, Barbara is no match for her “well-bred” husband. The birth of the couple’s only child, Tony, further rocks the uneasy balance of an already troubled marriage. Tony is a failure in his father’s eyes. As he matures and becomes increasingly close to his lonely mother, the seeds of tragedy and unbelievable decadence are sown. The movie follows their lives from 1946 to 1972, as the Baekeland’s pursuit of social distinction and the glittering good life propels them across the globe.

Barbara’s wild lifestyle and adulterous behavior eventually lead to the couple’s divorce. Brooks steals Tony’s girlfriend and makes her his lover. This begins a downward spiral of Barbara and Tony’s life that leads to depression, Tony’s choosing homosexuality, attempted suicide, illegal drugs, an incestuous relationship, and eventually murder. There is nothing pleasant or happy in the real life story of the Baekelands.

The movie itself doesn’t give much of a storyline outside of the debauchery and perversion. The only notable actor is Julianne Moore, but even her performance is a disappointment. In her attempt to portray a “playgirl” from the 1940s through the 70s, her acting becomes very exaggerated and “over the top.” It’s also surprising that an actress of her stature would even be involved in a movie such as this. The attention to details as time progresses is rather impressive and well done, but no other element of the cinematography or directing are above ordinary or unique.

The movie’s content is truly shocking, and it’s clear why the filmmakers chose to not have the movie rated. Without a rating, the moviemakers certainly took all the liberties they desired. As mentioned in the content section, the audience is exposed to homosexual activity, sexual promiscuity, excessive nudity, and graphic adultery between Barbara and Tony. One bed scene even involves Barbara with Tony’s lover, then Tony joining the two in bed. It’s simply shocking, appalling, and sickening.

There is also heavy drinking, marijuana use, and continuous smoking by all the main characters. The only good note is that there are no anti-religious elements, except for the 11 profanities. Simply put, this movie isn’t even fit for an adult audience, including those people who enjoy seeing an art house movie.