The Only Thrill (1997) User Reviews

Striking performance by Diane Keaton and impressive editing

[JuguAbraham · 7/10 · 28 February 2000]

The film grips you because of strong performances from Keaton and Shepard, with great help from the make-up department. The editing of the script may not be noticable in the beginning but as the film progresses one is mesmerised as the film captures time with deft strokes in the editing room. The film editor and the scriptwriter use two generations in tandem to reinforce the the central theme of love and miscommunication between individuals. The play itself is an interesting one but the film is able provide visual perspectives (the father in the old store among old clothes that needs better housekeeping as the film unfolds or the conversation at the edge of a cliff for a crucial turning point in the film) with a felicity that the stage could never offer.

The film may not be a masterpiece but is definitely interesting in the departments of acting, editing and scriptwriting.

A sad, odd love story....could be called The Only Nil

[inkblot11 · 5/10 · 18 October 2006]

Reece (Sam Shepard) is a used clothing store owner who meets up with Carol (Diane Keaton) when she asks for his help. She would like his referrals for potential sewing jobs, as she is a widow supporting her young daughter. Reece's wife is in a vegetative state, with no chance for improvement. Yet, despite the attraction between Carol and himself, Reece keeps Carol at arm's length and does not acknowledge his feelings. This goes on for years and years. Meanwhile, Carol's daughter falls for Reece's son but they, too, play a cat and mouse game for more than a decade. Seems Catherine, the daughter, wants her freedom and moves about the country, returning to connect with the son from time to time. Will anyone of these people wake up and smell the roses? This love story, with an only an undercurrent of emotion, might leave the viewer cold. The principal actors are all very fine but the story is a total downer, despite a bit of hope at the finish. The Texas setting is nicely realized and the costumes quite lovely, if that counts for much. If you love Keaton or Shepard, you might want to take a chance with this film. But, anyone who sits down to view the movie, beware. You will not be watching a typical love story, only a long drawn out look at the possibilities of romance.

Last 10 minutes of the movie

[peisli · 5/10 · 14 December 2018]

First 1 hour and 30 minutes are super boring. Director "tried" to show different times, didn't really work. I was confused about their age until last 10 minutes of the movie. Good acting , bad directing.

One of my favorites!

[bte0079 · 11 July 2003]

A quiet treasure of a film with excellent performances by Sam Shepherd, Diane Keaton et al, about the choices we make played out against the back drop of the human heart.Keaton's performance is understated and powerful; Shepherd conveys the conflicts and anguish of his dilemna with every wry grin and sigh. Their chemistry is palpable.

As time goes by.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 19 May 2023]

Just an alright but nothing spectacular drama that focuses on two couples, where the mother and daughter (Diane Keaton and Diane Lane) just happen by coincidence to be involved with father and son (Sam Shepard and Robert Patrick). One question arises. Why do mother and daughter really have hardly any scenes together, as if they barely had any kind of relationship? Shepard and Patrick have several key scenes together, and seem quite close even if they have issues over dad dating while his wife is in a coma.

Ironically, the older couple are far more interesting than the younger one, having Wednesday movie matinee dates and enjoyable trivia questions, going from the turbulent mid 60's through the mid 90's, and while the main plot surrounds the issues of why Keaton and Shepard can't fully commit. Lots of conversation, not a lot of action, but a sweet little tale of time, with the actors all likeable. Probably one of the most normal women I've ever seen Keaton play, and a quirkless Keaton is Ironically even funnier because you don't expect that from her.

Toooo slooowww

[Judeky · 3/10 · 7 June 2011]

Diane Keaton plays herself, hitch script where she speaks the same way she does in movies over most recent years, except not funny! The story shows a love that can't get going - one can feel why. No sparks even when they are seemingly clicking along. Set in a time when an unusual relationship coiled flourish, these two bore each other and the viewer. Diane Lane looks beautiful, but is equally unable to get going. Disappointing flick with terrific actors wasting their time and mine! No wonder film never took off - the story doesn't. I love Sam Shepard but he too asks little of himself here, no fire until the very end, but he'd already lost me!

looking for mister goober

[sandcrab277 · 7/10 · 4 November 2019]

Forget about watching this film to see sam shepard and diane keaton ... diane lane and robert patrick are the real reason ... keaton plays the same role she always does and shepard is a knothead ... its way too long with all the flashbacks to lay the groundwork ... more steamy passion like their children in the theater would have been good

Waste of talent & time!!

[maechristina · 5/10 · 28 August 2022]

Caught this on tv and was immediately hooked when I saw the gorgeous Diane Lane. Then, whoa, Sam Shepard?! But I soon realized w dismay that I'd hitched my wagon to nowheresville alongside a slew of unlikable, boring characters. Diane Keaton is always her goofy, giggly, "grow UP!" SELF. Robert Patrick was a solid, good guy, but who can ever take him @face value after his masterful, villainous turn in Terminator 2?! I'm usually a sucker for crossed-star love stories, but this was a pathetic, painful puddle of muddled mess. Do yourself a favor and watch Last Picture Show if you're in the mood for Texas vibes and loving & longing & leaving, ... this was snooze city.

Excellent movie - Acting was outstanding !

[rockett-2 · 9/10 · 8 December 1999]

I happened to catch this movie after it had already started on one of the movie channels. I probably saw about an hour of it and enjoyed it immensely. The actors were truly outstanding.

I was amazed when I viewed the credits to see that I had never even heard of this movie. I am wondering how such excellent acting was overlooked.

It is worth seeing and I look forward to seeing the whole movie.

will their paths cross again ?

[ksf-2 · 6/10 · 3 March 2022]

The story of reece (sam shepard) and carol (diane keaton, just after first wives), who meet in the 1960s. And continue that friendship for many years. Weird relationships with her daughter and his son tom, who also seem to have found each other. Tom has a friend ed that always seems to be there. Not sure why we're spending so much time following their kids around. Carol and her daughter both leave town. Can they pick up the pieces when they come back? So many things never got said the first time around. This is okay. Friendships, relationships. Some really good moments, but i wish they hadn't spent so much time following the kids around. Some of it felt like filler. Directed by peter masterson. Probably better known for his role in stepford wives.... the 1975 one. Original play written by larry ketron.

Same Time/Next Year Fail

[legost2 · 5/10 · 4 December 2023]

Too many reasons why I felt like this wasted my time. I think the kicker was when Diane Keaton walks out fragile with cancer and has to be held up - in heels. You can't tell there have been years in between when these characters come together again and again. Sam Shepard is so blah throughout. And Keaton's character starts out a free-spirited, no strings, 70's woman, only to find out later she's harbored resentment for years that he didn't beg her to stay. Disjointed, no chemistry, and ancillary, one-dimensional characters in the periphery. Truly disappointing. Tried too hard to have a similar feel as "Same Time/Next Year" but it misses completely.

"you learn, if you're lucky, that love isn't something you save for a rainy day."

[nitewind6 · 9/10 · 5 June 2001]

I watched this movie about three times. I think many people will see themselves, at least at some point in their life, as one of these characters. It may seem slow for those who want action.. but this is one of those movies that makes you think.. and hopefully teaches that if we don't communicate what we want, how can we expect to be understood? You have to make life work.

Tender and provocative love story

[gerald-cravens · 7 June 2004]

At the beginning of the movie Reece McHenry (Sam Shepard) has a moral dilemma. His wife has been in a coma for an extended period and though he is lonely, feels he must remain faithful. Carol Fitzsimmons (Diane Keaton) enters his life and the relationship they develop over a thirty year period becomes the key theme of the movie. Unfortunately we never find out when (or if) Reece's wife ever dies, which is a key factor in understanding the principal characters' motivations and actions. This is a tender love story with subplots that take a too long to develop their connection to one another. Otherwise, the superb performances by Keaton and Shepard make this motion picture a delight.

Watch w/ care...and lots of tissues!

[KeatonKidman4Oscar · 10/10 · 14 January 2004]

This movie is so brilliant that it's hard to even talk about it because it stirs up so many emotions inside me. The acting is out of this world. Diane Keaton is so incredible, like she usually is. And Sam Shepard is exceptional as well. And let's not forget Diane Lane and Robert Patrick. The whole cast is perfect. The story brings me to tears just thinking about it. I cried (and cried HARD) for literally hours. I own the movie now and it has really affected my life and the way I see things. It is not to be over-looked or unseen. You won't regret it. You'll fall in love with the characters just like I did. And you'll feel for them every step of the way. *****/*****

Brilliant movie about a complicated love

[lockwood-10 · 9/10 · 9 August 2006]

I watched this with a very good female friend of mine and we saw many similar points with our relationship to the relationship in this movie. The film traces an almost 30 year love between a man and woman who should be able to marry and connect but because of certain circumstances cannot go the distance. I find this a very, very, believable movie and does not try to place blame or either the man nor woman. This film rather try to teach us about the consequences to reaching out and falling in love and how consequences can arise. Both Diane Keaton and Sam Sheppard deserve Oscars with Robert Patrick bringing in an excellent performance of the son. This movie really moves me when I watch it and I want to use this as a learning tool to not repeat my own mistakes. Actually, I feel the lesson here is to take a risk with ones life and go the distance. Please watch this movie and don't be too judgemental. This is a winner!!!! Mark Lockwood Lubbock, Texas

A movie which deserved more attention and viewers!

[Jonathan-18 · 15 February 1999]

This little-seen obviously-based-on-a-play movie deserves to be seen. Diane Keaton is, as always, great. Her relationship with Sam Shepard rings true, and the reflecting relationship of their kids doesn't make you say Come On... You should see this movie because of its wonderful scenes and beautiful lines. It's a quite, what they call small film, and I guess that's why it didn't succeed. Do yourself a favor and spend 100 minutes with the Fritzsimmons and the McHenrys.

A Quiet Little Gem

[mmitsos-1 · 10/10 · 2 January 2006]

I love this film. It's quiet, it's moving, and it boasts great acting all the way around, with special kudos to Diane Keaton (one of my absolute favorites) and Sam Shepard (another one of my favorites)...they should make more films together, because they have great chemistry. I feel so bad for their characters....basically good, honest souls who found each other under bad circumstances. I don't want to give much more away. I only wish that this film were available on DVD. I did manage to find a copy on Amazon in VHS format. However, it's a shame that it never made it to the theatre...I don't even know if it was made for television, or, was originally made for theatres, but only went straight to video. It's a charming little gem.

An all time love story!!

[klmreview · 10/10 · 26 April 2020]

Great plot!! Excellent cast!! I loved the story and the great meaning of the movie!! Sam Shepherd and Diane Keaton at their best!!!

Charming love chronicle

[MarioB · 9 August 1999]

This is a cute movie about a simple love story gone bad, when the man can't say I love you. For me, this kind of movie had the true spirit of American cinema. Not those stupid million dollars budget, special effects blockbusters with stars, violence, and no plot. The warm simplicity of this film shows me that USA can still do good movies without being stupid. Aging Diane Keaton is still charming and should be considered one of the best American actress of all time. I hope she will be with us for a long time.

Nice charming love story with a lot of tears.

[hans-31 · 3 October 1999]

Don't save love for a rainy day is a true thing to say. In this film love has been saved and in the end the lives of two people have been wasted to bitter tears. A true mistake of these people. But they had a mission. They had to protect the lives of their children. A nice film which deserve more viewers.