This covers much of the same ground as _Gothic_, although Passer forgoes Ken Russell's determinedly grotesque burlesque treatment in favor of a more traditional approach. Unfortunately, while Russell went over the top, Passer plays it too low-key. Much screen time is devoted to our self-enamored poets' posturing before Mary and her Immortal Monster are allowed to take center stage. Dern's lone tearful outburst here fails to match her memorable crying jag in _Blue Velvet_.