Up Close & Personal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A determined weather girl gets a journalism crash course from her gruff mentor, falls in love, and then accidentally becomes so famous that it derails his entire life.

🍿 Up Close & Personal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Aspiration and Mentorship: Tally Atwater’s Arrival

Tally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer), an ambitious young woman from a small town, arrives in Miami with dreams of becoming a television news star. She secures a job at a local TV station, initially as a secretary, by submitting a seemingly impressive demo tape. There, she encounters Warren Justice (Robert Redford), a seasoned and respected news director who, despite his initial skepticism, recognizes raw talent and potential in her. Warren takes Tally under his wing, guiding her development in the demanding and competitive world of television journalism. He sees beyond her initial awkwardness and pushes her to refine her skills, starting her journey as a weather girl and slowly transitioning her into a field reporter.

From Weather Girl to Reporter: A Star is Born

Under Warren’s rigorous mentorship, Tally rapidly learns the ropes, transforming from a clumsy novice into a capable and engaging on-air personality. Her distinctive style and determination quickly make her a local favorite. As her professional skills sharpen, her personal relationship with Warren deepens. Their dynamic shifts from a strict mentor-protege relationship to a romantic partnership. They navigate the challenges of their demanding careers while their affection for each other blossoms, with Warren’s unwavering support proving crucial to Tally’s burgeoning success in the news industry.

The Philadelphia Move and Professional Trials

Tally’s burgeoning success attracts the attention of larger markets, leading her to accept a prominent reporting position in Philadelphia. This significant career move tests her independence and her relationship with Warren, who initially stays behind. Initially, Tally struggles in the more competitive environment, facing scrutiny and resistance from colleagues, including the tough anchor Marcia McGrath (Stockard Channing). Sensing her despair and realizing his own career has stalled, Warren eventually leaves his position in Miami to follow Tally to Philadelphia. He offers continued guidance and emotional support, helping her to overcome professional obstacles and solidify her place as a serious journalist in the national news scene.

The Holbrook Prison Riot: A Defining Moment

A pivotal and intense moment in Tally’s career occurs when she reports live from a tense prison situation that escalates into a full-blown riot. Tally and her cameraman, Ned Jackson (Glenn Plummer), are trapped inside the chaotic facility, facing significant danger. Her brave and raw reporting from within the tumultuous environment showcases her journalistic courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to getting the story. This harrowing experience further cements her reputation as a formidable news presence and marks a significant turning point in her professional journey, solidifying her status as a respected national correspondent.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer): An ambitious and tenacious young woman who rises from a small-town background to become a prominent television news star.
• Warren Justice (Robert Redford): An experienced and principled veteran newsman who mentors Tally, guiding her career while developing a deep romantic relationship with her.
• Marcia McGrath (Stockard Channing): A seasoned and somewhat resentful anchor who feels displaced by Tally’s rapid ascent in the highly competitive news industry.
• Bucky Terranova (Joe Mantegna): A powerful agent who recognizes Tally’s rising talent and helps her advance to larger news markets.
• Ned Jackson (Glenn Plummer): Tally’s loyal and brave cameraman who often accompanies her into dangerous situations and admires her reporting skills.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tally Atwater / Warren Justice: “Do you want to be with me? / So much it hurts.” – A tender and pivotal exchange that reveals the deep emotional connection and vulnerability between Tally and Warren as their relationship evolves.
• Bucky Terranova: “Your voice is full of money.” – Bucky’s initial assessment of Tally’s broadcasting potential, using a famous line from ‘The Great Gatsby’ to suggest her inherent charisma and future success.
• Warren Justice: “She eats the camera.” – Warren’s astute observation to a colleague about Tally’s natural ability and captivating presence on screen, recognizing her raw talent for television.
• Tally Atwater / Warren Justice: “He’s so stupid! / He’s an anchorman.” – A cynical, humorous exchange that subtly critiques the intelligence and substance often prioritized over superficiality in the television news industry.
• Joanna Kennelly: “I was seven years and three dozen asses ago.” – Warren’s ex-wife, Joanna, delivers this sharp and world-weary line reflecting on her past relationship with him and the many years and experiences that have passed.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $51,088,705
• Worldwide Gross: $100,688,705

💥 Up Close & Personal Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Up Close & Personal’ might be a bit of a classic ‘chick flick,’ but I absolutely adore it! Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer have this incredible, understated chemistry that just makes you root for them from the start. I love how it pulls back the curtain on the intense world of TV news, showing how demanding and dangerous it can be. The scene where Tally is reporting from the prison during the riot? So intense and really highlights her bravery. And that emotional ending? It gets me every single time, without fail. It’s a true testament to their bond and the sacrifices people make for love and career. This movie really makes you feel a wide range of emotions, from the excitement of Tally’s rise to the bittersweet ache of their journey. If you’re looking for a romance with depth and a touch of real-world grit, this one’s a must-watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic dramas with strong emotional arcs”
  • “Viewers interested in the behind-the-scenes world of television journalism”
  • “Audiences who appreciate stories of mentorship and ambition”
  • “Fans of Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer’s on-screen chemistry”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG-13 for some sensuality, language, and brief violence.”
  • “Contains depictions of a prison riot.”
  • “Themes of loss and professional ambition may be intense for some viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFocus: “Jon Avnet’s ‘Up Close & Personal’ might echo familiar ‘Star is Born’ beats, yet it finds its own rhythm thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. They navigate the cutthroat world of television news with a compelling blend of ambition and tender romance. While the plot has its predictable moments, the genuine connection between the leads elevates the material, offering a heartfelt look at love thriving amidst career pressures. It’s a solid drama, especially for those who enjoy a good weepie.
• ScreenInsights: “‘Up Close & Personal’ banks heavily on the star power of Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer, and for the most part, it pays off. The exploration of broadcast journalism provides an interesting backdrop, but the narrative often leans into melodramatic territory, feeling more like a soap opera than a gritty industry drama. Despite its flaws and occasional predictability, the film offers enough emotional moments and strong performances from its supporting cast to keep audiences engaged, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised the magnetic chemistry between Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer, making their on-screen romance deeply believable.: The film resonated with audiences for its emotional depth, especially in showcasing the sacrifices made for love and career in a high-pressure environment like TV journalism.

Many found the portrayal of the behind-the-scenes world of news broadcasting compelling and insightful, adding a unique backdrop to the love story.: The movie’s powerful ending, often cited as heart-wrenching, left a lasting impact on viewers, solidifying its place as a memorable romantic drama.

Overall Consensus: Up Close & Personal is largely seen as a poignant and emotionally resonant romantic drama, buoyed by the strong performances and undeniable chemistry of its lead actors, despite some critics finding its plot familiar or overly sentimental.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is widely known to be loosely based on the tumultuous life of real-life news anchor Jessica Savitch and her relationship with news executive Ron Kershaw. However, the original script by Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne, authors of the book ‘Golden Girl: The Story of Jessica Savitch,’ was a much darker and unvarnished portrayal of Savitch’s tragic existence and the ruthless media industry. Disney-owned Touchstone Pictures heavily rewrote it into the more romanticized and conventional ‘A Star Is Born’ narrative.”
• “Robert Redford’s character, Warren Justice, delivers the line ‘Your voice is full of money’ to Tally Atwater when they first meet. This iconic quote is famously from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel ‘The Great Gatsby,’ in which Redford played the titular role in the 1974 film adaptation, making it a subtle nod to his previous iconic role.”
• “Michelle Pfeiffer’s character’s name was originally Sally Atwater, but during the film, her boss Warren Justice suggests she change it to ‘Tally’ because ‘Sally Atwater is a weather girl.’ This detail highlights the manufactured nature of on-screen personas and personal branding in television news.”

🖥️ How to Watch Up Close & Personal?

You can watch ‘Up Close & Personal’ by renting or purchasing it on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing options. As of the latest information, it is not consistently available on subscription streaming services but is widely accessible for on-demand viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Up Close & Personal, you might like these similar films:

• A Star Is Born (1976): Often considered a direct inspiration for ‘Up Close & Personal’ due to its central theme of a rising female star eclipsing her falling male mentor in the entertainment industry.
• Broadcast News (1987): Explores the competitive and often ethically complex world of television journalism, featuring a compelling love triangle and strong performances, similar to ‘Up Close & Personal’s’ setting and themes.
• The American President (1995): A highly acclaimed romantic drama starring Robert Redford released around the same time, offering a more lighthearted but still mature and engaging love story.
• Morning Glory (2010): A contemporary comedy-drama set in a struggling morning news show, featuring an ambitious female producer trying to revitalize a program with veteran anchors, sharing themes of media ambition and unlikely mentorship.
• Network (1976): A groundbreaking satirical film that presciently critiques the sensationalism and commercialization of television news, offering a darker, more cynical, but essential look at the industry dynamics that ‘Up Close & Personal’ touches upon.

🛒 Up Close & Personal Related Products

• Up Close & Personal (25th Anniversary Edition) Blu-ray: Relive the classic drama with stunning high-definition picture and remastered audio. This collector’s edition includes never-before-seen interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and a director’s commentary.
• Because You Loved Me: The Best of Celine Dion CD: While ‘Up Close & Personal’ features Celine Dion’s iconic hit ‘Because You Loved Me,’ this greatest hits album offers a comprehensive collection of her most beloved songs, perfect for setting a romantic mood.
• Golden Girl: The Story of Jessica Savitch by Alanna Nash: Dive deeper into the real-life inspiration behind ‘Up Close & Personal.’ This compelling biography explores the turbulent and groundbreaking career of Jessica Savitch, the trailblazing news anchor whose story loosely inspired the film.
• Up Close & Personal Vintage Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original theatrical release poster, capturing the iconic pairing of Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. A stylish addition for any film enthusiast’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Up Close & Personal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Because You Loved Me” – performed by Celine Dion

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Fun behind the scenes of Up close and personal

Ever wondered what it was like on set with Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert Redford? This ‘fun behind the scenes’ look at ‘Up Close & Personal’ gives you a fantastic peek into the making of the film, and honestly, seeing the cast laugh and interact just makes you appreciate their chemistry even more!

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