Part of Music City Mondays
Illeana Douglas stars as Edna Buxton, an aspiring singer/songwriter who, skeptical of anyone performing her songs other than herself, falls in with producer Joel Milner (John Turturro) who renames her Denise Waverly and brings her into the fold of the hit-making factory at New York’s Brill Building. Arranging one of her songs for a doo-wop group in effort to convince her of the viability of writing songs for other artists, they become partners on a string of hits. Denise’s drive to be her own artist persists and ultimately leads her into the orbit — and arms — of West Coast surf-rock producer Jay Phillips (Matt Dillon). Written and directed by Allison Anders (GAS FOOD LODGING), GRACE OF MY HEART takes certain cues from the story of Carole King and utilizes a host of musical contributions from Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello and Joni Mitchell among others in an effort to replicate the musical style of the Brill Building. Look out for cameos from musical contributors Jill Sobule, Shawn Colvin and J. Mascis.
"There's great teamwork here — between Douglas and her vulgarian mentor Turturro; in the delightful scene when our heroine and her British collaborator (Patsy Kensit) write a coded love song for a lesbian pop star (Bridget Fonda); in the film's rousing original soundtrack, which daringly pairs '60s and '90s talents (Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello!)." —David Ansen, Newsweek (Oct 6, 1996)
"From the doo-wop sounds of the late fifties to the beach tunes of the early sixties to the psychedelia of the seventies, GRACE OF MY HEART glides seamlessly from era to era. Ileana's performance coupled with the stylish costume designs of Susan L. Bertram create a unique atmosphere that transports us on one woman's journey through the pain of failed marriages to eventual self-expression." —Frank Wilkins, ReelTalkReviews.com