Collected Stories (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Two great actresses square off in a debate about family, fairness and choices

[DeanNYC · 10/10 · 4 May 2002]

Linda Lavin is the mentor and Samantha Mathis is the student in this two person stage play adapted for the small screen. Mathis is nervously in awe of Lavin's author at the start, but as the piece moves on, we see both writers growing to care about each other over the years, Lavin seeing her pupil as the daughter she never had, and Mathis growing as a writer, soon to overshadow her teacher.

The crux of the plot happens when Lavin confides in Mathis a story about a previous lover, a mentor she had, and the affair that they began in the 1950s. Mathis takes the tale and makes it her own, writing her first novel based on it. The questions of trusting someone as a family member and what is fair game to tell as "your story" serves as the heart of the film.

Two brilliant and convincing performances are turned in by the two actors, and there are both some riveting and humorous moments between them.

A Well-Written, Emotional Short Film

[FloatingOpera7 · 10/10 · 7 April 2006]

Presented on PBS in 2002, this is a film adaptation of Donald Marguelis' play "Collected Stories" and stars Linda Lavin and Samantha Mathis. For a play that only featured two actresses, it carries a lot of emotion and thought-provoking material. It is successfully transcribed into film. Jewish-American Ruth Steiner (Lavin) is a retired English professor in New York City and a published author of several mainly women's empowerment books dating as far back as the 50's. Her student, Lisa Morrison (Mathis)idolizes her and the two form a friendship when Lisa begins to work for her as a personal assistant/research assistant. Ruth reveals much about her past to Lisa, and agrees to coach and mentor her as a writer. In confidence, she tells her of her brief relationship with the well-known poet, Delmore Schwartz and its tragic result. Lisa's first novel eventually comes out and it turns out to be, surprise, surprise, Ruth's story about her sad romance with Schwartz. Ruth is deeply hurt and incredibly angry at Lisa and this is enough to break their friendship. The theme here is who has the right to tell a story ? What makes a true writer ? Should we take Lisa or Ruth's side ? Further, there is the theme of an older mentor and the conflict with a young star. There is great chemistry between Lavin and Mathis and the script is so well-written it often overwhelms one with its poignancy. This is possibly the best short independent film I've ever seen. It is touching and it is heart-felt. I recommend this to college teachers or high school teachers who specialize in teaching English or writing workshops. This is a well-written film with two strong performances. I cried at the end, hoping these two friends would reconcile. This is a sad reality in todays' writing world as well. Ruth is right when she says a writer must earn the right to write a story. It makes the writing world a dangerous and often powerful profession. Ruth is a strong, independent woman who has worked hard writing about her Jewish heritage and her Americanized way of life. Lisa always claimed she was honoring her mentor. These two actresses go above and beyond to really touch a chord with today's modern audiences, but especially college-age youth who wish to write professionally. This is a lovely independent film and sadly very obscure and little known work of cinematic art. Try to find a copy somewhere and you'll be glad you did.