The Waterdance

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The Waterdance ★★★ 1991 (R)

Autobiographical film based on the experiences of writer/co-director Jimenez. When writer Joel Garcia (Stoltz) is paralyzed in a hiking accident he finds himself dealing with not only the rehab process itself but his feelings, the feelings of his married lover, and those of his fellow patients. Deals unsentimentally with all the physical adjustments, including the sexual ones. Resolutions may be predictable but the performances rise above any script weaknesses. The title refers to Hill's dream of dancing on water—and the fear of drowning if he stops. 106m/C VHS, DVD . Eric Stoltz, Wesley Snipes, William Forsythe, Helen Hunt, Elizabeth Pena, Grace Zabriskie; D: Neal Jimenez, Michael Steinberg; W: Neal Jimenez; C: Mark Plummer; M: Michael Convertino. Ind. Spirit ‘93: First Feature, Screenplay; Sundance ‘92: Screenplay, Aud. Award.