The Thing Called Love poster

1993·116 min·Released

The Thing Called Love

“Stand by your dream.”

Drama
Romance
Music

A group of newcomers to the country music business seek love and stardom.

6.2(149 votes)

Popularity2

Videos

The Thing Called Love Director's Cut - Trailer

Cast & Crew

River Phoenix

River Phoenix

James Wright

Samantha Mathis

Samantha Mathis

Miranda Presley

Dermot Mulroney

Dermot Mulroney

Kyle Davidson

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Linda Lue Linden

Anthony Clark

Anthony Clark

Billy

Deborah Allen

Deborah Allen

Deborah Allen

K.T. Oslin

K.T. Oslin

Lucy

Webb Wilder

Webb Wilder

Ned

Earl Poole Ball

Earl Poole Ball

Floyd

Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Katy Moffatt

Katy Moffatt

Katy Moffatt

Jo-El Sonnier

Jo-El Sonnier

Jo-El Sonnier

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Wuchak

Written on 5/29/2022

_**River Phoenix shines before passing on, plus the lovely Samantha Mathis**_ Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix). "The Thing Called Love" (1993) failed miserably at the box office but it's a pretty solid drama revolving around the music biz in Nashville. The film isn't redneck-y at all (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol); the people are genuine and likable, if sometimes annoying. The movie has a hip flair and is filled with newer country music (for 1993, that is). Aside from trying to make it in the music business the story naturally revolves around Kyle and James' attraction to Miranda and their ensuing rivalry. The film never cops a meanspirited vibe, despite one brawl. The viewer gets the impression that these are good, talented people who will remain friends no matter what. A couple of things make the film worthwhile, for me anyway. One is the magnetic performance of River Phoenix, who was 22 during filming. His face looks like Quorthon of Bathory (when he was in his 20s), if you're familiar with that obscure metal band. He exudes the brooding charisma of Marlon Brando, just different. Unfortunately, three and a half months after the movie's release River was found dead outside an L.A. nightclub due to an overdose. He was only 23. Samantha Mathis (Miranda) was dating him at the time. Speaking of whom, Samantha is the second key highlight of this flick wherein she even outshines Sandra Bullock. Keep in mind that this was the year _before_ Bullock's breakout with "Speed." Samantha's beauty is captured well in a couple scenes, like around the 40-minute mark when Linda Lue's beau is passed out on the bed. It's too bad Samantha never broke-out, like Sandra. Her most popular flick is arguably "Broken Arrow" (1996) and then she pretty much disappeared from feature films. A few country stars have cameos, like Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis. "The Thing Called Love" may not be a great country music film like "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980) but it's pretty solid and highlighted by the brooding charisma of River Phoenix. He was great and it's a pity he died so prematurely. The film runs 1 hour, 56 minutes, with the the Director's Cut running a couple minutes longer. It was mostly shot in Nashville, with one scene done at Graceland in Memphis and another in Santa Clarita, California (the bus stop / cafe sequence where Miranda writes a song). GRADE: B-/B

Media

The Thing Called Love Director's Cut - Trailer

The Thing Called Love Director's Cut - Trailer