by Lisa Bennett-Haigney, NOW Publications Manager

Talking Walls Tell Neglected Stories

Like the first movie, this one is divided into three parts that take place in different times over the last half century. The first part, "1961," is simply amazing – subtle and restrained, yet heartbreaking. Vanessa Redgrave, in a performance you can't forget, plays a retired schoolteacher who, after the loss of her lifetime partner, must cope with the fact that she is now alone and at the same time unrecognized as the aggrieved  spouse. These first 30 minutes or so are like a beautiful short story and really shouldn't be missed.

In "1976" the issues are divisions among feminists and lesbians. Two young women meet, one a dedicated feminist, the other a woman who feels most comfortable in traditional male clothing. Chloe Sevigny (who was great in the movie "Boys Don't Cry") is touching as the "butch" Amy who knows who she is and values her dignity.  Although the lessons in this one seem rather simplistic, the issue is so untouched on TV that it seems fresh and daring. The final segment, "2000," stars Ellen DeGeneres and Sharon Stone as a devoted couple trying to have a baby. This story plays out like a romantic comedy, so it feels much lighter than the other two. But the segment's writer/director, Anne Heche (DeGeneres' partner), handles the subject so frankly and sincerely that many viewers were won over.

As a warning (or another reason to watch, take your pick), fairly explicit sex scenes are included in the last two segments.  These scenes manage to avoid feeling gratuitous and do not come off as entertainment for the guys. One could argue that they succeed in illustrating the characters' passion for each other and expanding upon their personalities. "If These Walls Could Talk 2" shows the progress that has been made over the last 40 years, while touching on what could still be.  By telling these three stories simply and on a small-scale, the three women directors make a big statement.  HBO will be re-running the movie—check your local listings for dates and times. If you appreciate the movie, send HBO a thank you letter.

Perfect Murder, Bad TV

This week's feminist media picks:

Web Site: FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting).  Stop by this site for a hard look at the way the news is reported, and what is not reported.  While you're there, visit the Women's Desk for some excellent articles on how women in general and feminists in particular frequently get the short stick from our information providers.  You'll never look at or read the news the same way.

Video Rental:  A Walk on the Moon (1999) directed by Tony Goldwyn, written by Pamela Gray. Released last year, this small movie wasn't a box office blockbuster, but it did receive great reviews and is doing respectable business on video. Diane Lane stars as a young wife spending the summer of 1969 with her family at a resort in the Catskills. While the previously inhibited Lane explores her sexuality with a hippie blouse salesman, her teenage daughter is experiencing her own coming of age. Her decision to run free or remain devoted to her family is painted honestly and compellingly. Gray is a talented writer  with a bright future and all of the performances are honest and brave.  The period music's pretty good, too.

TV Show:  Judging Amy (CBS, Tuesday 10-11pm ET). Last night TV Guide readers awarded "Judging Amy" best new drama and its star, Amy Brenneman, favorite actress in a new series. If you haven't already caught this growing hit, check it out. Brenneman plays a family court judge and her mother, the always powerful Tyne Daly, works in social services, so there's lots of time devoted to serious family issues.  But the family interaction at home is also important and very real.  TV has exhibited a positive trend this season toward growing up and showing smart, strong women (see our recommendations in the last two columns). And viewers have rewarded the networks with good ratings for these new shows. Here's to hoping the trend continues.