Cheap Jupiter's Wife (DVD) (Michel Negroponte) Price

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Customer Reviews of Jupiter's Wife

The perfect picture of the beauty of the human psyche
This movie demonstrates the beauty of the human mind, and the fact that my (and your)reality isn't always right. Maggie, though she could probably be labeled as schizophrenic, is probably happier than the majority of individuals that are "healthy". This movie demonstrates what the mind needs to be happy. ? This movie may or may not change your life. If it does, you will forever see the world differently, and every individual as filled with the possibility of being whole.

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interesting story doesnt make an interesting film
First off, let me apologize for only watching half the film before writing this review. For a while I thought...maybe it will change, maybe the end will redeem the beginning. Then I couldn't take it anymore. Maggie's story is interesting, intriguing, and portrayed in a respectful manner. The filmmaker is clearly truly interested in and affected by her and her story. But his flat voice interrupts all too frequently to give no further insight or commentary than blunty stating his growing interest. If there were more her, I think I would have been much more interested in it. As it is, I felt that the parts that showed her, rather than guiding and teaching us about her, illustrated his monotonous voice.

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Why is this film so special?
You could walk by Maggie Kogan without ever knowing that she was tuned into things from which you would not be able to make any sort of immediate sense. If you talked to her, you would probably get the impression that she was crazy. If you had a few psychology courses as an undergrad, you might see strains of schizophrenia with hints of disassociation and grandeur. But if you spent enough time with her, her world might poke through your conventional conception, and start to gain meaning.

The director of this documentary found a walking embodiment of personal mythology in a homeless woman in Central Park. Through research and interviewing, he proceeds to unravel a translation of Maggie Kogan that coalesces during the passing of the film. The director's approach makes the film special. A psychoanalyst might find contextual cues that would allow him to confront Maggie on an emotional level. Unfortunately this might risk a "psychotic" break in Maggie's sense of what we commonly recognize as reality. Thankfully, the director uses a much more subtle and non-judgmental approach. As we learn more about Maggie's past, and begin to understand her signifiers, we experience a fully realized and unique individual. The directorial tone allows the viewer to go beyond labels, and truly glimpse the totality of individual perception and reality. It's a rare opportunity in American film.

If you enjoy this, I recommend another documentary about a genuine NYC shining star- "The Cruise" featuring Timothy "Speed" Levitch--- a double-decker bus tour guide.