One from the Heart Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple in Vegas breaks up because they’re bored, immediately find more attractive people, then realize being boring together is actually romantic, all while Tom Waits croons from the shadows.

🍿 One from the Heart: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Anniversary Argument

Hank and Frannie, a couple in Las Vegas, are celebrating their fifth anniversary on the Fourth of July. However, their relationship is strained, and a heated argument erupts, highlighting their differing desires: Hank craves stability, while Frannie yearns for excitement and adventure.

Separate Adventures

Following their breakup, Frannie quickly encounters Ray, a charming and sophisticated singer-waiter who embodies the excitement she seeks. Meanwhile, Hank meets Leila, a captivating circus performer who represents a different kind of allure and freedom. Each embarks on a brief affair, exploring their fantasies and what they believe they’re missing in their lives.

Reflection and Reunion

As Hank and Frannie spend time with their new companions, they begin to reflect on their relationship and what they truly value. They realize that the idealized versions of love they sought are not as fulfilling as the real connection they shared. Ultimately, they decide to reconcile, recognizing the depth of their love and commitment to each other.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hank (Frederic Forrest): A down-to-earth mechanic who is left by his girlfriend and seeks solace in a circus performer.
• Frannie (Teri Garr): A dreamy and lustful travel agent who leaves her boyfriend seeking excitement and finds a charming waiter.
• Ray (Raul Julia): A suave and charming singer-waiter who becomes Frannie’s romantic interest.
• Leila (Nastassja Kinski): A beautiful circus performer who becomes Hank’s romantic interest.
• Moe (Harry Dean Stanton): Hank’s long-suffering friend who provides support and companionship.
• Maggie (Lainie Kazan): Frannie’s best friend who supports her choices and provides advice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Leila: “If you wanna get rid of a circus girl, all you’ve gotta do is close your eyes.” – Leila says this to Hank, expressing her fleeting existence and the ease with which she can disappear.
• Leila: “She disappears. Like spit on a griddle.” – Leila continues to explain how easy it is to forget a circus girl.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $697,872
• Worldwide Gross: $719,534

💥 One from the Heart Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘One from the Heart’ is WEIRD, but I kind of love it! The whole movie looks like a stage play, but in the best way. The music by Tom Waits is incredible, setting this unique mood of Vegas romance. I loved the scene where Frannie and Ray dance; it’s so passionate. It may not be for everyone, but it felt totally heartfelt and unlike anything else I’ve seen. It really stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Francis Ford Coppola’s experimental work”
  • “Viewers interested in stylized visuals and set design”
  • “Those who appreciate Tom Waits’ music”
  • “People who enjoy unconventional romantic dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Mature relationship issues”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Coppola’s stylistic risks don’t always pay off, leading to a visually stunning but emotionally detached experience. The performances are uneven, and the narrative feels secondary to the dazzling production design.
• RogerEbert.com: “A fascinating experiment in cinematic artifice, ‘One from the Heart’ is a visually arresting film that explores the nature of love and desire through a heightened, theatrical lens. While not for everyone, it’s a unique and memorable experience.
• The New York Times: “The film is a stylistic achievement, but the characters lack depth, making it difficult to connect emotionally. Coppola’s ambition is evident, but the result is more impressive than engaging.

Audience Reactions

The stylized visuals and dreamlike atmosphere were a feast for the eyes.: Viewers appreciated the unique, theatrical style and the bold artistic choices.

Tom Waits’ soundtrack perfectly captured the mood of the film, adding depth and emotion.: Many found the music to be a standout element, enhancing the overall experience.

Overall Consensus: Opinions are divided, with some praising its artistic vision and others criticizing its lack of emotional depth. A visually striking film with a distinctive style, but not universally appealing.

Awards

1. Razzie Awards (Worst Director)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally conceived as a small, intimate project following the difficult production of ‘Apocalypse Now,’ ‘One from the Heart’ spiraled into a much larger and more expensive undertaking.”
• “The film was shot entirely on soundstages, with Francis Ford Coppola constructing a highly stylized and artificial version of Las Vegas.”
• “The film was a financial disaster for Coppola, leading to bankruptcy and forcing him to take on other projects to pay off the debts incurred during its production.”
• “The score and songs were composed by Tom Waits, with Crystal Gayle providing additional vocals, creating a unique blend of jazz and country music.”
• “Coppola used innovative filmmaking techniques, including early experiments with electronic editing and computer-generated imagery.”

🖥️ How to Watch One from the Heart?

Currently, ‘One from the Heart’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings and favorite digital retailers for availability. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed One from the Heart, you might like these similar films:

• Moulin Rouge! (2001): Features a highly stylized visual aesthetic, musical numbers, and a romantic storyline set in a fantastical version of a real place, similar to Coppola’s approach.
• La La Land (2016): Explores the themes of dreams, love, and the allure of a city (Los Angeles) through music and dance, echoing the romanticism and artifice of ‘One from the Heart’.
• Pennies From Heaven (1981): Uses musical numbers and elaborate sets to create a stylized depiction of reality, similar to One from the Heart’s approach.
• The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964): A visually stunning and emotionally resonant musical film that emphasizes color and design to tell a simple love story, much like Coppola’s film.

🛒 One from the Heart Related Products

• One From The Heart (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): The complete soundtrack featuring Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle. An iconic collection of songs that perfectly encapsulates the film’s unique atmosphere.
• Las Vegas Neon Sign Art Print: A vibrant art print capturing the essence of the neon-drenched Las Vegas depicted in the film. High-quality reproduction on archival paper.
• Vintage Las Vegas Casino Chip Set: A set of replica vintage casino chips evoking the classic Vegas aesthetic of the film. Includes a display case and certificate of authenticity.
• Tom Waits – Anthology of Albums: A collection of Tom Waits’ best albums, including his work on the ‘One from the Heart’ soundtrack. A deep dive into his unique musical style.

🎧 Soundtrack

One from the Heart features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Broken Bicycles” – performed by Tom Waits
• “I Beg Your Pardon” – performed by Tom Waits & Crystal Gayle
• “Picking Up After You” – performed by Tom Waits & Crystal Gayle
• “Old Boyfriends” – performed by Tom Waits

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tom Waits, C. Gayle, Coppola – 1980 OFTH Rehearsals Pt. 1

Want to see Tom Waits, Crystal Gayle, and Coppola working their magic in the studio? This rehearsal footage is a gem – it’s amazing to see how the music and the movie were coming together!

Crystal Gayle – One From the Heart film soundtrack backstage making of

Ever wondered how that incredible soundtrack was made? This backstage footage gives you the inside scoop from Crystal Gayle and Tom Waits themselves. It’s so cool to see them in action!

Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Style of His Films from the 1980s to Megalopolis

Francis Ford Coppola talking about the movie style? Yes, please! This gives great context for ‘One From the Heart’s’ unique visual style. He dives deep into his approach, and it’s fascinating.

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