Loretta Lynn's life has been to say the least,interesting.A wife at 13, mother at 14,and walking a long path to her throne as the "Queen of Country Music".Triumphs and tragedies have virtually filled her life, and it was expertly brought to life in this film.Sissy Spacek gives a dead on performance as Lynn,right down to her voice,and even does her own singing for the film.This is without a doubt one of the best acting performances of a non fictional character I have ever seen,and let us not forget the Oscar worthy performance of Tommy Lee Jones as Doolittle Lynn,Loretta's husband.He is always excellent,but he was never better than he was here.This is an excellent true story of Loretta's long journey from the Kentucky backwoods to the Grand Ole Opry stage.A must see and must own movie.
114 Reviews
Arguably the best Biopic ever made.
Wardman330 January 2005
There is no doubt in my mind that this film is one of the best biopics brought to the screen. From beginning to end, you are so fully immersed in the life of Loretta Lynn, that you forget you are watching Sissy Spacek, who hands down deservedly won the Oscar and 1980 was an excellent year for the Academy awards with stiff competition.
From the opening sequences, you get sucked right in. The life of Appalachia and the struggles of Loretta growing up. The devotion of Doolittle, Tommy Lee Jones best role, to make Loretta the star that she should be is selfless, despite some tempestuous struggles.
Beverly D'Angelo, who is underrated and versatile, portrays Patsy Cline with such bravado, it just clicks with the cast and the credibility of the audience. The fact that both her and Spacek sang on their own just enhances the credibility of the film.
In summary, a must see for anyone who is a fan of Loretta Lynn and for how a biography should be filmed.
From the opening sequences, you get sucked right in. The life of Appalachia and the struggles of Loretta growing up. The devotion of Doolittle, Tommy Lee Jones best role, to make Loretta the star that she should be is selfless, despite some tempestuous struggles.
Beverly D'Angelo, who is underrated and versatile, portrays Patsy Cline with such bravado, it just clicks with the cast and the credibility of the audience. The fact that both her and Spacek sang on their own just enhances the credibility of the film.
In summary, a must see for anyone who is a fan of Loretta Lynn and for how a biography should be filmed.
The girl from Butcher Holler
bkoganbing2 February 2017
Sissy Spacek got her career role and her Oscar portraying country singing legend Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner's Daughter. The film was also up for Best Picture in 1980 and for a bunch awards in the technical fields. But only Spacek brought home the gold.
Loretta Lynn came from a background about as humble as you can get. She was as the title says of the film and one of her hit songs a Coal Miner's Daughter. From a place called Butcher Holler. One of the great strengths that Coal Miner's Daughter has is the location cinematography in Kentucky and Tennessee. Hollywood could never recreate the look of the poverty she came from.
She was the eldest of several kids born to Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens-Liptak playing her parents Ted and Clary Webb. She was an assistant Moma to her younger siblings and a real Moma with for kids by the time she was 20. She married at 14 to Doolittle Lynn aka Mooney because of his original profession of moonshiner. But she liked to sing and it was her husband that said some of those songs that she made up just might be a career path. Anything was better than the unimaginable poverty in those Kentucky hills.
Watching this film today, made in 1980 and set in the 50s and 60s I thought about things today which are probably worse than in Loretta Lynn's salad days. Then the United Mine Workers was a strong union and insured some kind of living for these people. But coal for environmental reasons has been abandoned. Could Loretta Lynn make it out in 2017. She would sure have more incentive.
During her early days Loretta was mentored by Patsy Cline played here by Beverly D'Angelo. Both had the same problems, husbands who were on the sidelines of their wives' career. In this case Tommy Lee Jones plays an easy going Doolittle Lynn who feels a need every now and then to kick up their heels.
Of course the second great strength of Coal Miner's Daughter is the score of Loretta Lynn hits in the film. If you are not a Loretta Lynn fan, you might just become one after viewing this film. Some of Patsy Cline's hits are included, a little preview so to speak of her biopic Sweet Dreams.
Coal Miner's Daughter is as fresh as the day it was released and a must for country music fans.
Loretta Lynn came from a background about as humble as you can get. She was as the title says of the film and one of her hit songs a Coal Miner's Daughter. From a place called Butcher Holler. One of the great strengths that Coal Miner's Daughter has is the location cinematography in Kentucky and Tennessee. Hollywood could never recreate the look of the poverty she came from.
She was the eldest of several kids born to Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens-Liptak playing her parents Ted and Clary Webb. She was an assistant Moma to her younger siblings and a real Moma with for kids by the time she was 20. She married at 14 to Doolittle Lynn aka Mooney because of his original profession of moonshiner. But she liked to sing and it was her husband that said some of those songs that she made up just might be a career path. Anything was better than the unimaginable poverty in those Kentucky hills.
Watching this film today, made in 1980 and set in the 50s and 60s I thought about things today which are probably worse than in Loretta Lynn's salad days. Then the United Mine Workers was a strong union and insured some kind of living for these people. But coal for environmental reasons has been abandoned. Could Loretta Lynn make it out in 2017. She would sure have more incentive.
During her early days Loretta was mentored by Patsy Cline played here by Beverly D'Angelo. Both had the same problems, husbands who were on the sidelines of their wives' career. In this case Tommy Lee Jones plays an easy going Doolittle Lynn who feels a need every now and then to kick up their heels.
Of course the second great strength of Coal Miner's Daughter is the score of Loretta Lynn hits in the film. If you are not a Loretta Lynn fan, you might just become one after viewing this film. Some of Patsy Cline's hits are included, a little preview so to speak of her biopic Sweet Dreams.
Coal Miner's Daughter is as fresh as the day it was released and a must for country music fans.
Character Development
olivergruver27 October 2002
The reason this film works (arguably the greatest bio-pic ever produced) is that it is ABOUT Loretta Lynn's life, not about country music. From the opening shots of a young Loretta riding a mule to the mines with her brother, you know this will be a film about extraordinary characters. It is over an hour before we hear one song from Loretta Lynn; director Michael Apted and writer Thom Rickman spend time to develop Loretta, Doolittle and her family. When her father dies, the audience cries with Loretta because we know her family, her father, we understand where this girl came from and why it is such a unique transition from backwoods girl to international star.
It's been said that Ms. Lynn was named after movie star Loretta Young. When approached by executives to make a movie about her life (based on her best-selling autobiography), she was savvy enough to realize that a film would end up on television anyway, and opted to have film made. I can imagine (most likely to the chagrin of studio execs) that Apted fought to develop a script that showcased the characters over the music. The result is a film that EVERYONE enjoys. When the film was released in 1980, I remember people going who were definitely not country music fans, and I remember their raves after the movie.
America is about the Horatio Alger storyline: everyone can achieve greatness. This film highlights that dream. While it does fall into some cliche trappings once Loretta Lynn is a huge success (the on-the-road montage, the drugs, the nervous breakdown), there are such cliches because the pressure performers feel is one in the same. Overall, it ages beautifully because it captures a time when the American hills spawned such unique talent (Lynn's contemporaries are either showcased or mentioned to great effect).
Of special note: If Oscars could be given for past work, Beverly D'Angelo should be voted the "Best Supporting Actress" of 1980 for this film. Unfortunately, she was not even nominated. You will be hard-pressed to find such a complete performance in film. Similar in screen time and impact as Dame Judi Dench's performance in "Shakespeare In Love", D'Angelo gives a Master Class in screen acting for her portrayal of the late Patsy Cline. Most likely, this flash of brilliance is what inspired the film "Sweet Dreams", the bio-pic of Cline, a film that pales in comparison to "Coal Miner's Daughter."
This is Spacek's only Oscar win thus far out of six nominations. She's a national treasure and this performance is outstanding. However, you should see this film for all its elements, working to create an outstanding picture. Highly recommended.
It's been said that Ms. Lynn was named after movie star Loretta Young. When approached by executives to make a movie about her life (based on her best-selling autobiography), she was savvy enough to realize that a film would end up on television anyway, and opted to have film made. I can imagine (most likely to the chagrin of studio execs) that Apted fought to develop a script that showcased the characters over the music. The result is a film that EVERYONE enjoys. When the film was released in 1980, I remember people going who were definitely not country music fans, and I remember their raves after the movie.
America is about the Horatio Alger storyline: everyone can achieve greatness. This film highlights that dream. While it does fall into some cliche trappings once Loretta Lynn is a huge success (the on-the-road montage, the drugs, the nervous breakdown), there are such cliches because the pressure performers feel is one in the same. Overall, it ages beautifully because it captures a time when the American hills spawned such unique talent (Lynn's contemporaries are either showcased or mentioned to great effect).
Of special note: If Oscars could be given for past work, Beverly D'Angelo should be voted the "Best Supporting Actress" of 1980 for this film. Unfortunately, she was not even nominated. You will be hard-pressed to find such a complete performance in film. Similar in screen time and impact as Dame Judi Dench's performance in "Shakespeare In Love", D'Angelo gives a Master Class in screen acting for her portrayal of the late Patsy Cline. Most likely, this flash of brilliance is what inspired the film "Sweet Dreams", the bio-pic of Cline, a film that pales in comparison to "Coal Miner's Daughter."
This is Spacek's only Oscar win thus far out of six nominations. She's a national treasure and this performance is outstanding. However, you should see this film for all its elements, working to create an outstanding picture. Highly recommended.
From 13 year old bride, to becoming a Country Music Legend. A perfect biographical film.
clydestuff8 April 2004
Biographical films that are done right can be a thing of beauty. They can enlighten us by giving us perspective and insight into people that we may recognize by name but yet know little of the circumstances that have made up the fabric of their lives. And if the life they led is as fascinating as that of Loretta Lynn, they can also entertain us in the process.
Based on Lynn's autobiographical novel of the same name, Coal Miner's Daughter is easily one of the best films of this genre. It is the story of how Loretta Lynn became one of the most successful Country & Western vocalists in recording history despite having been raised in the poverty stricken hills of Butcher Holler, Kentucky, marrying at the age of 13, and having several children to boot.
The first half of Coal Miner's Daughter is a fascinating look at a life foreign to most of us. As the daughter of Ted Webb (Levon Helm) and Clara Webb (Phyllis Boyens), Loretta (Sissy Spacek)seems destined to live her life just as all who those who live in Butcher Holler eke out an existence. It seems predetermined that she will probably marry one day, that her husband will be a coal miner just as her own father is, and she will have a caboodle of young 'uns running around the hills barefoot. One day, on a trip into town with her father, Loretta meets the irrepressible Mooney Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) who has just come home form the service. It isn't long before Mooney convinces the 13 year. old Loretta that they are in love and need to be married. After convincing Ted and Clara to give their blessing, the wedding takes place, and although it isn't apparent for many years, it's a decision that will forever alter the course of her existence.
One of the reasons this film succeeds on the level that it does, is because Director Michael Apted never falls into the trap of making the film judgmental about many of the events that occur in Loretta's life. He let's the events of the film unfold naturally, and we either accept them for what they are or we don't. For instance, many Directors would have felt the need to implant some nefarious motive behind Mooney's relationship with Loretta. The events that happen in Loretta's childhood were what they were, and though letting a child of thirteen marry may be foreign to us, it was obviously something that may not have been extraordinary unusual back in Butcher Holler.
There is another reason why Coal Miner's Daughter succeeds on all levels. Sissy Spacek plays Loretta Lynn as if she were cloned from her. Not only is their resemblance strikingly uncanny, her speaking voice, her singing voice, her mannerisms will have you believing that it is Loretta herself starring in this film. As if this isn't enough, Spacek was required to play a character that starts out as a naive thirteen year old girl, and ends as an adult woman who suffers through many painful and tumultuous events in her life. Not an easy task at all, but it is the stuff for which actresses win Academy Awards, and Spacek certainly earned hers.
If Spacek's performance was exceptional, the rest of the cast would merely need to be adequate to make the film succeed, but they are every bit as impressive. Given the difficult role of playing Mooney, Tommy Lee Jones brings the character to life. While never making Mooney appear sympathetic, he does show us that Mooney is after all a human being, subject to the same foibles and temptations as the rest of us. Most of all, despite his failings, Jones lets us know that Mooney did indeed care a great deal for Loretta, even if such outward expressions of love were foreign to him.
There's more. Levon Helm as Ted Webb gives one of the best supporting performance ever in a film. As Ted, he gives us a father who cares deeply about his family, doing for them what he can with what little money he can scrape by on from his earning. He is a man who has obviously been beaten down by the drudgery and day to day existence of spending most of his life with a pick and a shovel mining coal. It is this existence that eventually forces Mooney into his decision to not become a victim of the coal mines.
Last but certainly not least, is Beverly D'Angelo as Patsy Cline, who not only befriends Loretta, but helps to teach her the ways of the world. Her performance is so good in fact, that although her scenes aren't many, D'Angelo leaves an indelible mark that made it difficult to accept Jessica Lange in the same role. I do not know why Jones, Helm, and D'Angelo were not recognized when Awards time rolled around as they were all at least deserving of a nomination if not a win. Perhaps Spacek's performance was so powerful that it overshadowed the fine work done by the rest of the cast. Then again, I quit trying to figure the reasoning behind awards a long time ago.
There is no doubt however, that Coal Miner's Daughter is one of the best biographical films ever. It is one of those rare times when cast, director, writer, all came together to make a very special film. And when they all do that I have no choice but to give them my grade which for Coal Miner's Daughter is an A+.
Based on Lynn's autobiographical novel of the same name, Coal Miner's Daughter is easily one of the best films of this genre. It is the story of how Loretta Lynn became one of the most successful Country & Western vocalists in recording history despite having been raised in the poverty stricken hills of Butcher Holler, Kentucky, marrying at the age of 13, and having several children to boot.
The first half of Coal Miner's Daughter is a fascinating look at a life foreign to most of us. As the daughter of Ted Webb (Levon Helm) and Clara Webb (Phyllis Boyens), Loretta (Sissy Spacek)seems destined to live her life just as all who those who live in Butcher Holler eke out an existence. It seems predetermined that she will probably marry one day, that her husband will be a coal miner just as her own father is, and she will have a caboodle of young 'uns running around the hills barefoot. One day, on a trip into town with her father, Loretta meets the irrepressible Mooney Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) who has just come home form the service. It isn't long before Mooney convinces the 13 year. old Loretta that they are in love and need to be married. After convincing Ted and Clara to give their blessing, the wedding takes place, and although it isn't apparent for many years, it's a decision that will forever alter the course of her existence.
One of the reasons this film succeeds on the level that it does, is because Director Michael Apted never falls into the trap of making the film judgmental about many of the events that occur in Loretta's life. He let's the events of the film unfold naturally, and we either accept them for what they are or we don't. For instance, many Directors would have felt the need to implant some nefarious motive behind Mooney's relationship with Loretta. The events that happen in Loretta's childhood were what they were, and though letting a child of thirteen marry may be foreign to us, it was obviously something that may not have been extraordinary unusual back in Butcher Holler.
There is another reason why Coal Miner's Daughter succeeds on all levels. Sissy Spacek plays Loretta Lynn as if she were cloned from her. Not only is their resemblance strikingly uncanny, her speaking voice, her singing voice, her mannerisms will have you believing that it is Loretta herself starring in this film. As if this isn't enough, Spacek was required to play a character that starts out as a naive thirteen year old girl, and ends as an adult woman who suffers through many painful and tumultuous events in her life. Not an easy task at all, but it is the stuff for which actresses win Academy Awards, and Spacek certainly earned hers.
If Spacek's performance was exceptional, the rest of the cast would merely need to be adequate to make the film succeed, but they are every bit as impressive. Given the difficult role of playing Mooney, Tommy Lee Jones brings the character to life. While never making Mooney appear sympathetic, he does show us that Mooney is after all a human being, subject to the same foibles and temptations as the rest of us. Most of all, despite his failings, Jones lets us know that Mooney did indeed care a great deal for Loretta, even if such outward expressions of love were foreign to him.
There's more. Levon Helm as Ted Webb gives one of the best supporting performance ever in a film. As Ted, he gives us a father who cares deeply about his family, doing for them what he can with what little money he can scrape by on from his earning. He is a man who has obviously been beaten down by the drudgery and day to day existence of spending most of his life with a pick and a shovel mining coal. It is this existence that eventually forces Mooney into his decision to not become a victim of the coal mines.
Last but certainly not least, is Beverly D'Angelo as Patsy Cline, who not only befriends Loretta, but helps to teach her the ways of the world. Her performance is so good in fact, that although her scenes aren't many, D'Angelo leaves an indelible mark that made it difficult to accept Jessica Lange in the same role. I do not know why Jones, Helm, and D'Angelo were not recognized when Awards time rolled around as they were all at least deserving of a nomination if not a win. Perhaps Spacek's performance was so powerful that it overshadowed the fine work done by the rest of the cast. Then again, I quit trying to figure the reasoning behind awards a long time ago.
There is no doubt however, that Coal Miner's Daughter is one of the best biographical films ever. It is one of those rare times when cast, director, writer, all came together to make a very special film. And when they all do that I have no choice but to give them my grade which for Coal Miner's Daughter is an A+.
Biopic of Loretta Lynn Just Gets Better with Age!
cariart24 October 2005
To me, the success of a film biography isn't whether fans of the personality will watch the movie; they will, whether it is any good, or not...the true measure of success is how the film captures an audience who DON'T know the person, and wins their hearts.
"Coal Miner's Daughter" does this, better than nearly any other 'biopic', and the film is as passionate and wonderful today as it was in 1980.
There are several reasons for the film's 'staying' power; first, British director Michael Apted, making his first American feature, brought an unbiased eye to the lifestyle of poor but proud rural America. Eschewing the clichés of the "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Dukes of Hazzards" stereotypes, he cast many 'locals' in the film, and attempted to recreate, as realistically as possible, the world Loretta Webb/Lynn knew so well.
Second, the film boasts not one or two, but three powerhouse supporting performances. Tommy Lee Jones, who Apted picked over Harrison Ford, is a revelation as Doolittle 'Mooney' Lynn. With only a handful of credits when the film was released, he demonstrated the dazzling combination of humor and sensitivity that would eventually win him a place as one of our finest actors. Levon Helm, making his dramatic debut as Loretta's father, Ted, is even more impressive. Low-key, but irresistible, he offers so much love and power in his portrayal that it's easy to see why he would remain influential to his superstar daughter, long after his passing. In a brief but sparkling portrayal, Beverly D'Angelo channels Patsy Cline to perfection (I may be alone in my opinion, but I prefer her portrayal over Jessica Lange's, in "Sweet Dreams"). With earthy charm and worldliness, she would change Loretta's image from 'cowgirl' to 'royalty', and her shocking, early death would shatter Loretta, much as it did for everyone who loved her.
Of course, without a strong, charismatic performance in the lead, nothing else would matter, and Sissy Spacek is nothing less than spectacular! Handpicked by Loretta Lynn, herself, from a photograph (Spacek would admit that she felt 'wrong' for the role, and uncomfortable about Lynn proclaiming the actress as "her" choice on national TV, but as she was preparing to turn it down, "Coal Miner's Daughter" came on a 'classical' radio station she was listening to, and she suddenly knew she was 'meant' to play the part!) Contrary to popular opinion, she had to learn Lynn's Southern accent, and spent grueling weeks learning how to sing her signature tunes (including a week with Loretta, herself). The end results are stunning! Despite only a passing resemblance, Spacek so totally captured the talent, vulnerability, feistiness, and strength of Loretta Lynn that she won the 1980 'Best Actress' Oscar (over Gena Rowlands, Ellen Burstyn, Goldie Hawn, and Mary Tyler Moore), and is still identified with the role, today.
I knew little of Country Music in 1980, and even less about Loretta Lynn, but the film captured my heart...and after 25 years, it still moves me! "Coal Miner's Daughter" IS a CLASSIC!
"Coal Miner's Daughter" does this, better than nearly any other 'biopic', and the film is as passionate and wonderful today as it was in 1980.
There are several reasons for the film's 'staying' power; first, British director Michael Apted, making his first American feature, brought an unbiased eye to the lifestyle of poor but proud rural America. Eschewing the clichés of the "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Dukes of Hazzards" stereotypes, he cast many 'locals' in the film, and attempted to recreate, as realistically as possible, the world Loretta Webb/Lynn knew so well.
Second, the film boasts not one or two, but three powerhouse supporting performances. Tommy Lee Jones, who Apted picked over Harrison Ford, is a revelation as Doolittle 'Mooney' Lynn. With only a handful of credits when the film was released, he demonstrated the dazzling combination of humor and sensitivity that would eventually win him a place as one of our finest actors. Levon Helm, making his dramatic debut as Loretta's father, Ted, is even more impressive. Low-key, but irresistible, he offers so much love and power in his portrayal that it's easy to see why he would remain influential to his superstar daughter, long after his passing. In a brief but sparkling portrayal, Beverly D'Angelo channels Patsy Cline to perfection (I may be alone in my opinion, but I prefer her portrayal over Jessica Lange's, in "Sweet Dreams"). With earthy charm and worldliness, she would change Loretta's image from 'cowgirl' to 'royalty', and her shocking, early death would shatter Loretta, much as it did for everyone who loved her.
Of course, without a strong, charismatic performance in the lead, nothing else would matter, and Sissy Spacek is nothing less than spectacular! Handpicked by Loretta Lynn, herself, from a photograph (Spacek would admit that she felt 'wrong' for the role, and uncomfortable about Lynn proclaiming the actress as "her" choice on national TV, but as she was preparing to turn it down, "Coal Miner's Daughter" came on a 'classical' radio station she was listening to, and she suddenly knew she was 'meant' to play the part!) Contrary to popular opinion, she had to learn Lynn's Southern accent, and spent grueling weeks learning how to sing her signature tunes (including a week with Loretta, herself). The end results are stunning! Despite only a passing resemblance, Spacek so totally captured the talent, vulnerability, feistiness, and strength of Loretta Lynn that she won the 1980 'Best Actress' Oscar (over Gena Rowlands, Ellen Burstyn, Goldie Hawn, and Mary Tyler Moore), and is still identified with the role, today.
I knew little of Country Music in 1980, and even less about Loretta Lynn, but the film captured my heart...and after 25 years, it still moves me! "Coal Miner's Daughter" IS a CLASSIC!
A Strong Sissy Spacek Role
gavin69426 November 2015
Biographical story of Loretta Lynn, a legendary country singer that came from poverty to worldwide fame. She rose from humble beginnings in Kentucky to super-stardom and changing the sound and style of country music forever.
For me, if I think Sissy Spacek, I only think of "Carrie". I know she has done other things, but that is, in my opinion, her defining role. Now, that being said, Loretta Lynn probably takes a close second. I am not sure that anyone else would have been right for the part.
It seems that we need more country music biopics. When they succeed, they succeed in a big way. Both this and "Walk the Line" are excellent, and I suspect there are a lot more great stories of country music pioneers. Not the polished, fake country stars we have today... but the real ones. George Jones, Hank Williams and countless others.
For me, if I think Sissy Spacek, I only think of "Carrie". I know she has done other things, but that is, in my opinion, her defining role. Now, that being said, Loretta Lynn probably takes a close second. I am not sure that anyone else would have been right for the part.
It seems that we need more country music biopics. When they succeed, they succeed in a big way. Both this and "Walk the Line" are excellent, and I suspect there are a lot more great stories of country music pioneers. Not the polished, fake country stars we have today... but the real ones. George Jones, Hank Williams and countless others.
Entertaining And Factual
Lechuguilla16 May 2008
As one of the better cinematic bios, "Coal Miner's Daughter" deserves praise because it is such a topnotch production. Sissy Spacek gives a terrific performance in the rags-to-riches, true-life story of country music legend Loretta Lynn. Spacek does her own singing in the movie, as does Beverly D'Angelo in the role of Patsy Cline.
But this lavish, big budget film has more to offer than the great performances of these two actresses. Attention to detail in production design, costumes, and makeup, plus topnotch editing combine to rev up the film's technical quality. And I loved that soundtrack with all those great country/western songs, including especially "Honky Tonk Angels" by the wonderful Kitty Wells. All of these cinematic elements render a film that is as entertaining as it is factual.
Loretta Lynn's story originates in the South; it's a story rich in emotion and appreciation of simple home values like love, family, and perseverance. Local non-actors are brought into the film in bit parts, and that amplifies the authenticity of her surroundings, especially her Southern roots.
My only problem with this film is the plot structure. The first fifty minutes could have been condensed. In particular, that part of the film that deals with Loretta's love affair with Mooney (Tommy Lee Jones), his red jeep, and Loretta's dad was too long and drawn out.
But overall, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is amazing because it presents a true-life success story that was by no means inevitable. All kinds of things could have intervened along the way to stop Loretta's rise to the top. Her husband was a big help, but she also had talent, and she got some breaks at crucial times. Her journey from rural Kentucky poverty to Nashville mansion thus makes for a gripping story helped along by the nearly perfect performance of Sissy Spacek.
But this lavish, big budget film has more to offer than the great performances of these two actresses. Attention to detail in production design, costumes, and makeup, plus topnotch editing combine to rev up the film's technical quality. And I loved that soundtrack with all those great country/western songs, including especially "Honky Tonk Angels" by the wonderful Kitty Wells. All of these cinematic elements render a film that is as entertaining as it is factual.
Loretta Lynn's story originates in the South; it's a story rich in emotion and appreciation of simple home values like love, family, and perseverance. Local non-actors are brought into the film in bit parts, and that amplifies the authenticity of her surroundings, especially her Southern roots.
My only problem with this film is the plot structure. The first fifty minutes could have been condensed. In particular, that part of the film that deals with Loretta's love affair with Mooney (Tommy Lee Jones), his red jeep, and Loretta's dad was too long and drawn out.
But overall, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is amazing because it presents a true-life success story that was by no means inevitable. All kinds of things could have intervened along the way to stop Loretta's rise to the top. Her husband was a big help, but she also had talent, and she got some breaks at crucial times. Her journey from rural Kentucky poverty to Nashville mansion thus makes for a gripping story helped along by the nearly perfect performance of Sissy Spacek.
Good biopic on a country music legend
grantss29 June 2016
The story of Loretta Lynn, superstar of country music. From her time growing up (as Loretta Webb) in the coal-mining town of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, to her marrying "Doolittle" Lynn when only 15 years old, their marriage, her taking up singing and playing guitar to her first forays into making music, her making it big and the impact it had on her.
Pretty good biopic. I'm not a country music fan, but you have to admire the way she, supported by her husband, made it to the top. No instant fame based on some cheesy televised talent show, she had to do it the hard way, through promoting herself, playing concerts in small venues and sheer talent and perseverance.
The portion of the movie that shows her rise to the top is definitely the highlight of the movie. Her childhood gives a good background but is otherwise not that interesting. The conclusion is okay but not that profound or emotional. It's the middle that matters.
So what you have is a conventional, linear biopic. No flashbacks, no great profundities, no great personal demons to overcome (biopics tend to thrive on personal demons). What lifts this movie above the average biopic, however, are the performances of Sissy Spacek, as Loretta Lynn, and Tommy Lee Jones, as Doolittle Lynn. Both are fantastic in their roles and the chemistry between them is great too. Spacek won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance.
Good support from Beverley D'Angelo as Patsy Cline. Levon Helm (of The Band) gives a solid performance as Ted Webb, Loretta Lynn's father.
Pretty good biopic. I'm not a country music fan, but you have to admire the way she, supported by her husband, made it to the top. No instant fame based on some cheesy televised talent show, she had to do it the hard way, through promoting herself, playing concerts in small venues and sheer talent and perseverance.
The portion of the movie that shows her rise to the top is definitely the highlight of the movie. Her childhood gives a good background but is otherwise not that interesting. The conclusion is okay but not that profound or emotional. It's the middle that matters.
So what you have is a conventional, linear biopic. No flashbacks, no great profundities, no great personal demons to overcome (biopics tend to thrive on personal demons). What lifts this movie above the average biopic, however, are the performances of Sissy Spacek, as Loretta Lynn, and Tommy Lee Jones, as Doolittle Lynn. Both are fantastic in their roles and the chemistry between them is great too. Spacek won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance.
Good support from Beverley D'Angelo as Patsy Cline. Levon Helm (of The Band) gives a solid performance as Ted Webb, Loretta Lynn's father.
how this movie came to be made
dpomiller11 August 2014
If you are wondering why and how Coal Miner's Daughter got made here is the history. In l980 I worked for Bernie Schwartz, the producer of this film. There was a "Reader's Digest Condensed Book" sitting on the coffee table in the front office. I picked it up and read "Loretta Lynn's Story." I finished it and thought it would be a good TV film. I went to Bernie and told him. He called Ned Tanen, Head of Universal Pictures. He saw him the next day and got a deal. Ned figured at the very least they could sell the album since Loretta Lynn recorded for MCA records. They also owned Universal. Bernie then called Thom Rickman, who wrote it. The Englsh director, Apted, came over to direct it and they got Sissy. Ironically, I read the book because the scripts I had been reading were boring. And what happened to me.. .
Out Of The Holler.
rmax30482323 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
There's poverty and then there's poverty. The worst of it is in the urban areas east of the Mississippi and in Appalachia. One look at that cataclysmic dilapidation is enough to make the stoutest heart sink. Poverty in the rural South, though we often hear about it, has a comfortable quality. One coexists with the pigs lolling in the barnyard. California doesn't know the meaning of genuine visual despair. Every time they try to make a movie about poor people in Los Angeles, they fail because the settings come out looking like some middle-class area in East St. Louis.
But Appalachia looks like what it is, or what it used to be. The shacks are genuine crumbling shacks. The mud is gray and sandy, and the weather usually cold and drizzling. Howard Hawks' "Sergeant York" showed us Gobbler's Knob, Tennessee, or whatever it was called, under the blue skies and warm sun of Hollywood's back lots.
Not here. You can understand immediately why Tommy Lee Jones, condemned to the coal mines, is dying to get out before he dies of lung disease like so many other miners. He marries the virginal Loretta and deflowers her brusquely in a motel room so shabby that it might be encountered in nightmares.
As a husband, Jones isn't a terrible guy. After all, he bought her her first guitar. He's just a bad guy -- anxious for her success before, and jealous of it afterward, batting Loretta around, conducting adulterous affairs. The movie more or less follows the usual pattern, a triumph now and then, interrupted by the occasional tragedy. The exploitative male is now as formulaic a figure as the femme fatale.
I haven't been much of a fan of country and western music since adolescence but remember fondly the kick-ass energy of Hank Snow. Lately, I've heard a few real musicians among the ranks, Buck Owens and Willie Nelson, but mostly the artists achieve about the same level of musical proficiency as the amateurs in "Nashville," who wrote their own songs for the movie. You could do it too.
What made Loretta Lynn's songs different -- her voice was undistinguished -- was its contemporary content. I wouldn't say she was to country music what the Beatles were to pop rock, but, after all, a song with a title like "Don't Come Home From A-Drinkin' With Lovin' On Your Mind" must resonate with modern women in a way that, say, "Git Along Little Doggies" does not. One of her songs was about being widowed by the draft during the Vietnam war; another was about "the pill." That's pushing the envelope, considering the intended audience.
In the lead role, Sissy Spacek, un-made-up, unglossed, unglamorized, passes for fourteen years old without any trouble. She's a pleasant and cheerful woman too, and cute, and she provided me with surprisingly professional support in the unfailingly dull "Crimes of the Heart" -- a thin story made bearable only by my own magnificent performance. Tommy Lee Jones as the philandering husband who drinks too much is his usual jumpy, sinewy self. He's a subtle actor and has fine control, but it's the sort of role enactment that doesn't bring all that many awards.
But Appalachia looks like what it is, or what it used to be. The shacks are genuine crumbling shacks. The mud is gray and sandy, and the weather usually cold and drizzling. Howard Hawks' "Sergeant York" showed us Gobbler's Knob, Tennessee, or whatever it was called, under the blue skies and warm sun of Hollywood's back lots.
Not here. You can understand immediately why Tommy Lee Jones, condemned to the coal mines, is dying to get out before he dies of lung disease like so many other miners. He marries the virginal Loretta and deflowers her brusquely in a motel room so shabby that it might be encountered in nightmares.
As a husband, Jones isn't a terrible guy. After all, he bought her her first guitar. He's just a bad guy -- anxious for her success before, and jealous of it afterward, batting Loretta around, conducting adulterous affairs. The movie more or less follows the usual pattern, a triumph now and then, interrupted by the occasional tragedy. The exploitative male is now as formulaic a figure as the femme fatale.
I haven't been much of a fan of country and western music since adolescence but remember fondly the kick-ass energy of Hank Snow. Lately, I've heard a few real musicians among the ranks, Buck Owens and Willie Nelson, but mostly the artists achieve about the same level of musical proficiency as the amateurs in "Nashville," who wrote their own songs for the movie. You could do it too.
What made Loretta Lynn's songs different -- her voice was undistinguished -- was its contemporary content. I wouldn't say she was to country music what the Beatles were to pop rock, but, after all, a song with a title like "Don't Come Home From A-Drinkin' With Lovin' On Your Mind" must resonate with modern women in a way that, say, "Git Along Little Doggies" does not. One of her songs was about being widowed by the draft during the Vietnam war; another was about "the pill." That's pushing the envelope, considering the intended audience.
In the lead role, Sissy Spacek, un-made-up, unglossed, unglamorized, passes for fourteen years old without any trouble. She's a pleasant and cheerful woman too, and cute, and she provided me with surprisingly professional support in the unfailingly dull "Crimes of the Heart" -- a thin story made bearable only by my own magnificent performance. Tommy Lee Jones as the philandering husband who drinks too much is his usual jumpy, sinewy self. He's a subtle actor and has fine control, but it's the sort of role enactment that doesn't bring all that many awards.
Top notch biopic
wrcong6 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is not far behind "Patton" as a standout in the genre of biographical films. The performances are remarkable and the tracing of a life from rural Kentucky to the bight lights and glitter of Nashville is masterfully told here.
Cissy Spacek shows remarkable range coming forward from her days as the tormented teen in "Carrie" to the star of the Grand Ole Opry.
The most surprising turn, though, is that of Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father, Ted Webb. For the uninitiated, prior to being cast in this role, Helm spent his time as the drummer and vocalist for the rock band self-confident enough to call itself, simply, "The Band." Perhaps while working with Martin Scorsese on the documentary about The Band, "The Last Waltz," Helm was bitten by the acting bug. Whatever the cause, his understated, earthy portrayal of Loretta's earnest, simple, honest, hard-working father was brilliant.
Tommy Lee Jones also excels in the role of Doolittle "Mooney" Lynn. He takes the 13-year old Loretta from her family and proves to be the relentless force propelling her to stardom, while at the same time he fights his own demons. He's determined not to get stuck in the mines like Ted Webb, but learns to his surprise that Loretta is his ticket out. Despite his penchant for booze and womanizing, Loretta does not cast Doo aside when she reaches the stage at the Grnad Ole Opry. She no longer needs him, but she remains as loyal to him as she does to her humble origins.
I'm not a fan of country music in general or Loretta Lynn in particular, but this was an entertaining look at a very different world than most of us are accustomed to.
Cissy Spacek shows remarkable range coming forward from her days as the tormented teen in "Carrie" to the star of the Grand Ole Opry.
The most surprising turn, though, is that of Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father, Ted Webb. For the uninitiated, prior to being cast in this role, Helm spent his time as the drummer and vocalist for the rock band self-confident enough to call itself, simply, "The Band." Perhaps while working with Martin Scorsese on the documentary about The Band, "The Last Waltz," Helm was bitten by the acting bug. Whatever the cause, his understated, earthy portrayal of Loretta's earnest, simple, honest, hard-working father was brilliant.
Tommy Lee Jones also excels in the role of Doolittle "Mooney" Lynn. He takes the 13-year old Loretta from her family and proves to be the relentless force propelling her to stardom, while at the same time he fights his own demons. He's determined not to get stuck in the mines like Ted Webb, but learns to his surprise that Loretta is his ticket out. Despite his penchant for booze and womanizing, Loretta does not cast Doo aside when she reaches the stage at the Grnad Ole Opry. She no longer needs him, but she remains as loyal to him as she does to her humble origins.
I'm not a fan of country music in general or Loretta Lynn in particular, but this was an entertaining look at a very different world than most of us are accustomed to.
Sissy Spacek did a great job....but I just didn't care.
planktonrules11 August 2012
Sissy Spacek earned the Oscar for Best Actress for playing the lead in "Coal Miner's Daughter" and I can certainly understand why. However, I must admit that while I really respected her performance, I didn't particularly care for the film. On the strength of her performance alone I give the film a 7.
So what did I dislike about the film? Well, it all boils down to not caring one bit about the characters. While this is a true story, I just didn't see any compelling reason to care about them or want to see the film and I found myself becoming rather bored. So what if Loretta Lynn went from being dirt poor to becoming a rich singing sensation? This alone was not enough for me. Her husband seemed like a jerk and she seemed a bit pathetic in the film--like they were guests on "The Jerry Springer Show" who just couldn't let each other go. He screamed, cursed and acted trashy. And, she mostly put up with it. When she did put her foot down, it wasn't very hard and the film ends with just this sick couple--and no resolution. To me, there just was no compelling reason to see the film other than to marvel at the singing of Spacek (and Beverly D'Angelo, now that I think about it). I just don't understand the devotion people feel to this film--even though it IS well made.
By the way, to set the record straight, Loretta was actually 15, not 13, when married--which wasn't that unusual for the time. I assume they made her appear to be 13 to create greater tension or dramatic impact.
So what did I dislike about the film? Well, it all boils down to not caring one bit about the characters. While this is a true story, I just didn't see any compelling reason to care about them or want to see the film and I found myself becoming rather bored. So what if Loretta Lynn went from being dirt poor to becoming a rich singing sensation? This alone was not enough for me. Her husband seemed like a jerk and she seemed a bit pathetic in the film--like they were guests on "The Jerry Springer Show" who just couldn't let each other go. He screamed, cursed and acted trashy. And, she mostly put up with it. When she did put her foot down, it wasn't very hard and the film ends with just this sick couple--and no resolution. To me, there just was no compelling reason to see the film other than to marvel at the singing of Spacek (and Beverly D'Angelo, now that I think about it). I just don't understand the devotion people feel to this film--even though it IS well made.
By the way, to set the record straight, Loretta was actually 15, not 13, when married--which wasn't that unusual for the time. I assume they made her appear to be 13 to create greater tension or dramatic impact.
Lacked The Energy That All Great Biopics Need
zkonedog4 March 2017
After recently watching "Walk The Line", I was recommended "Coal Miner's Daughter" by a family member. While it isn't a bad movie by any means, I felt that it lacked the energy need to truly be a great film.
For a basic plot summary, the movie focuses on the life of Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek), who goes from dirt-poor in a mining town to arguably country music's greatest female superstar. Along the way, she meets and marries Doolittle (Tommy Lee Jones), as well as forms a relationship with fellow singer Patsy Cline (Beverly D'Angelo).
Like I said, the main problem with "Coal Miner's Daughter" is that it lacks the kind of pulsating energy that I find define my favorite biopics ("Walk the Line" & "Ray" come immediately to mind). I know that the movie is supposed to accurately depict reality, but his IS Hollywood, and thus some drama is needed to keep it from being a documentary. That drama was missing from most of the film.
There are two things that I really did like about the film:
1. Spacek & Jones act their parts tremendously and have great chemistry on screen. They are a joy to watch.
2. Roughly the first half of the movie (depicting life in a mining community) is excellent. It is a very compelling portrayal of the type of culture Loretta came from, as well as how her relationship with "Dool" began.
Sadly, once Loretta and Dool move to Nashville in search of a record deal, the film really slows down...almost to a screeching halt at some points. It's almost like the title indicates: the filmmakers knew how to do a great "coal miner's daughter" setting, but once Loretta actually becomes a country star, things really get stale.
Overall, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is a decent biopic piece that has since been both exceeded and overshadowed by other films of its same ilk. Unless you really have an interest in this specific story, or you really like classic country music, you might struggle with this one a bit too.
For a basic plot summary, the movie focuses on the life of Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek), who goes from dirt-poor in a mining town to arguably country music's greatest female superstar. Along the way, she meets and marries Doolittle (Tommy Lee Jones), as well as forms a relationship with fellow singer Patsy Cline (Beverly D'Angelo).
Like I said, the main problem with "Coal Miner's Daughter" is that it lacks the kind of pulsating energy that I find define my favorite biopics ("Walk the Line" & "Ray" come immediately to mind). I know that the movie is supposed to accurately depict reality, but his IS Hollywood, and thus some drama is needed to keep it from being a documentary. That drama was missing from most of the film.
There are two things that I really did like about the film:
1. Spacek & Jones act their parts tremendously and have great chemistry on screen. They are a joy to watch.
2. Roughly the first half of the movie (depicting life in a mining community) is excellent. It is a very compelling portrayal of the type of culture Loretta came from, as well as how her relationship with "Dool" began.
Sadly, once Loretta and Dool move to Nashville in search of a record deal, the film really slows down...almost to a screeching halt at some points. It's almost like the title indicates: the filmmakers knew how to do a great "coal miner's daughter" setting, but once Loretta actually becomes a country star, things really get stale.
Overall, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is a decent biopic piece that has since been both exceeded and overshadowed by other films of its same ilk. Unless you really have an interest in this specific story, or you really like classic country music, you might struggle with this one a bit too.
Honest and Accurate
Nick-33720 January 2002
Coal Miner's Daughter spans the decades from 1948 Kentucky to the 1970's, when Loretta Lynn had a nervous breakdown and collapsed on stage. First off, the scenes in rural Kentucky are very familiar to anyone who grew up in the mountains at that time. My own grandmother had seven brothers and sisters, lived in a cabin, and married at age 15. So I've heard the stories of her growing up, and it's VERY close to what is depicted in this film. The Butcher Holler scenes are so realistic, they make you feel like you're right there. It wasn't like the Waltons, folks. This shows how it really was back then. I will always love Loretta for her honesty and I'm sure that many women can relate to her wedding night innocence. In fact she didn't know where the babies were coming from until the first four were born. By that time she was 18 years old. It was only after Loretta's father died in 1959 that she started singing in honky tonk bars. For anybody who loved the book as much as I did, I wish they would have shown how Loretta's career affected her children. By the time her twins were born she was on the road so much that she simply didn't have time to be an attentive mother. Success didn't bring lasting happiness. Loretta's busy career caused stress which led to her pill addiction and breakdown. The scenes of Nashville in the 1960's are very accurate and Loretta's friendship with Patsy Cline is fun to watch. Patsy was like a big sister and a mother figure to Loretta. She was brilliantly depicted by Beverly D' Angelo. Sissy Spacek became Loretta Lynn for this film and seeing is believing. She was very convincing as a 13-year-old. What an amazing performance. Tommy Lee Jones redeems the character of Doo for his bad behavior and in the end he is a supportive father and husband. Loretta's parents are portrayed very accurately by Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens. I especially liked the mother's "squaw dance". Coal Miner's Daughter is a masterpiece as a song, a book, and especially a movie.
Incredible biopic that shows a determined spirit can overcome poverty. And in the meantime it makes you proud to be who you are.
blanbrn15 February 2011
This film has always had a special place in my heart, and now that I've viewed it for the first time all the way thru it means even more. Two things first I grew up in the rural mountains and hills of Southwestern Virginia and my father earned his living as a hard working and loving coal miner. As I always said we mountain people always had great work ethic and determination. And this film proves that by showing the will and determination that Loretta had to achieve her goal. This film would not be everyone's cup of tea as many look down on southern rural folks as many see them as retarded hillbillies and rednecks. Still while watching "Coal Miner's Daughter" most should feel touched and uplifted as it's a great real life success story that gives many hope proving they can escape poverty.
Sissy Spacek(who won an Oscar for best actress) is in top form with her portrayal of Loretta Lynn and the direction is top notch from Brit Michael Apted as he adapted the screenplay from George Vecsey's book. The film traces Loretta from her humble start in the rural Kentucky hills butcher hollow to be accurately. Loretta was poor as her daddy as a coal miner still loved and provided for her and her siblings. Loretta's only escape was when solider boy Doolittle Lynn(in one of Tommy Lee Jones's earliest and finest roles)returns to the the bluegrass as he takes her by storm and she marries young and the babies start to come. Thru this quick love affair one thing is discovered Loretta has a talent for singing.
Little by little Doolittle helps her transform into a star by sending out records and slowly but surely Loretta makes appearances up to the big time. Along the way heartbreak, stress, jealousy, and pain is present yet nothing will tear down or destroy this strong country gal she's as tough and gritty emotionally as they come. Nice was seeing in a great supporting role the early work of Beverly D' Angelo who shined as Patsy Cline.
This film is a great biopic a triumph of a strong determined woman who had the will and determination to make it on her talent. Loretta Lynn proved one can overcome poverty, and in the meantime be proud and never forget who you are or where you came from that's a lesson many should take in life be yourself that's another message that this classic biopic taught.
Sissy Spacek(who won an Oscar for best actress) is in top form with her portrayal of Loretta Lynn and the direction is top notch from Brit Michael Apted as he adapted the screenplay from George Vecsey's book. The film traces Loretta from her humble start in the rural Kentucky hills butcher hollow to be accurately. Loretta was poor as her daddy as a coal miner still loved and provided for her and her siblings. Loretta's only escape was when solider boy Doolittle Lynn(in one of Tommy Lee Jones's earliest and finest roles)returns to the the bluegrass as he takes her by storm and she marries young and the babies start to come. Thru this quick love affair one thing is discovered Loretta has a talent for singing.
Little by little Doolittle helps her transform into a star by sending out records and slowly but surely Loretta makes appearances up to the big time. Along the way heartbreak, stress, jealousy, and pain is present yet nothing will tear down or destroy this strong country gal she's as tough and gritty emotionally as they come. Nice was seeing in a great supporting role the early work of Beverly D' Angelo who shined as Patsy Cline.
This film is a great biopic a triumph of a strong determined woman who had the will and determination to make it on her talent. Loretta Lynn proved one can overcome poverty, and in the meantime be proud and never forget who you are or where you came from that's a lesson many should take in life be yourself that's another message that this classic biopic taught.
One of the best biopics you'll ever see
Wuchakk12 March 2014
Released in 1980, "Coal Miner's Daughter" tells the true story of Loretta Lynn and her amazing journey from a poor Kentucky Coal Miner's daughter to the "First Lady" of Country music.
Let me stress that you don't have to like Country music to enjoy this movie. Heck, I'm into the heavier side of metal and the film had no problem pulling me in. As a matter of fact, I wasn't even in the mood for this type of film last night, yet after a mere 35 minutes or so I was spellbound until the end; not to mention I found myself today watching music videos of Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline on youtube (!!).
Sissy Spacek and a young Tommy Lee Jones play Loretta and her husband, while Beverly D'Angelo has a small-but-significant role as Patsy Cline. The acting is so stellar that it seems like you're watching real people.
It's useless to cite best scenes because this is the type of of high-quality film where you just press 'play' and enjoy from beginning to end.
One segment I'd like to comment on, though, is where Loretta and her husband (Oliver "Mooney") come back to Kentucky from Custer, Washington, for the funeral of Loretta's dad. After the funeral Oliver points out that, if they're ever going to make it in the music biz, they have to act now and travel to all the radio stations and push her first single. They put in the time and sweat and the song -- "Honky Tonk Girl" -- became a breakthrough hit. What's the point? We must be sensitive to the critical times in our lives when we must step out in faith and ACT if we want to be successful in our chosen call. If Loretta and Mooney hadn't put the meddle to the peddle at that critical moment you probably wouldn't be reading this.
There are numerous other great segments, including Loretta's relationship with Patsy Cline and her moving breakdown on stage near the end.
The film runs 2 hours and 5 minutes and was filmed in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
PERSONAL GRADE: A
Let me stress that you don't have to like Country music to enjoy this movie. Heck, I'm into the heavier side of metal and the film had no problem pulling me in. As a matter of fact, I wasn't even in the mood for this type of film last night, yet after a mere 35 minutes or so I was spellbound until the end; not to mention I found myself today watching music videos of Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline on youtube (!!).
Sissy Spacek and a young Tommy Lee Jones play Loretta and her husband, while Beverly D'Angelo has a small-but-significant role as Patsy Cline. The acting is so stellar that it seems like you're watching real people.
It's useless to cite best scenes because this is the type of of high-quality film where you just press 'play' and enjoy from beginning to end.
One segment I'd like to comment on, though, is where Loretta and her husband (Oliver "Mooney") come back to Kentucky from Custer, Washington, for the funeral of Loretta's dad. After the funeral Oliver points out that, if they're ever going to make it in the music biz, they have to act now and travel to all the radio stations and push her first single. They put in the time and sweat and the song -- "Honky Tonk Girl" -- became a breakthrough hit. What's the point? We must be sensitive to the critical times in our lives when we must step out in faith and ACT if we want to be successful in our chosen call. If Loretta and Mooney hadn't put the meddle to the peddle at that critical moment you probably wouldn't be reading this.
There are numerous other great segments, including Loretta's relationship with Patsy Cline and her moving breakdown on stage near the end.
The film runs 2 hours and 5 minutes and was filmed in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
PERSONAL GRADE: A
The beauty of her hungry years eclipses the too-much-fame third act...
moonspinner5525 September 2005
It's not overstating or overselling "Coal Miner's Daughter" to say that Sissy Spacek nails the role of real-life country singer Loretta Lynn, and miraculously so; she embodies Lynn's spirit, and transforms herself before our eyes. Watching this in the theater with a big, enthusiastic audience, you could feel the viewers bond with Spacek's Loretta from her very first shot in the movie. Spacek reaches the audience in a magical (and yet natural) way: we empathise with her immediately and inherently know she's a good person. Loretta's rise from poverty in the backwoods of Kentucky (beautifully captured) to Grand Ole Opry sensation is just about perfection, and Tommy Lee Jones as volatile husband Doolittle and all the supporting players match Spacek's charm and intensity. This is a movie with a whole lotta heart, and the music (performed by Spacek and Beverly D'Angelo as Patsy Cline) is wonderfully authentic. The film does stumble in its last act, with Loretta overcome by success. Yes it's a true story, but the concluding events are haphazardly flung around and the screenwriter seems at a loss for a strong finale. Right up to the end however, the acting is very strong, and we come away from the picture knowing a lot about Loretta Lynn--and respecting her. As for the (mis)fortunes that fame brings--we've been down that road before. *** from ****
This is what all movie musical biographies should be like.
mark.waltz13 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Larry Parks as Al Jolson in "The Jolson Story" and "Jolson Sings Again"; Susan Hayward as Jane Froman in "With a Song in My Heart"; Susan Hayward as Lillian Roth in "I'll Cry Tomorrow"; Doris Day as Ruth Etting in "Love Me or Leave Me"; Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl"; Diana Ross as Billie Holliday in "Lady Sings the Blues".
Those are just a few of the wonderful movie musical biographies where a popular actor takes on the role of a legendary performer and isn't doing an "imitation". Some of the performances (Doris Day, in particularly) aren't exact replicas of the original performer, but the story is so perfectly interwoven with the songs that it doesn't matter. In the case of the wonderful Sissy Spacek as Loretta (Webb) Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter", you think you are actually watching Ms. Lynn act out her own story. Listen to Spacek singing, then switch to a CD with Ms. Lynn performing, and you can barely tell the difference. That goes double here, because you also have the wonderful Beverly D'Angelo giving a heartfelt performance as another country legend, the still much missed Patsy Cline.
The first quarter of the movie shows Loretta's hardship in the mountains of Kentucky, a child bride at 14, and an expectant mother soon afterwards. Married to the much more mature Doolittle (Tommy Lee Jones in his star-making role), Loretta sings to her babies, and finally he goes out and buys her a guitar and pushes her to perform live. Ending up on the Grand Old Opry (introduced by none other than Ernest Tubb with Minnie Pearl standing in the background), she is an instant success, and when she is introduced to the legendary Patsy, the two become like sisters. It is Patsy's tragic death in a car accident that sets the stage for Loretta's ultimate nervous breakdown, as well as Doolittle's inability to stay in the background as "Mr. Lynn". Unlike Norman Maine in "A Star is Born", however, Doolittle won't take the noble coward's way out, and you see him grow up himself as he takes her success in stride and leads her to the path of recovery, a story that itself could become a legendary country song like the title song Spacek breaks into at the end.
Breaking away forever from the "Carrie" mold, Spacek proved herself to be a multi-talented star, and one of the shining lights of the 1980's. Her friendly freckle faced real looks made her appealing in all sorts of roles, and here, Spacek does not appear to be acting. She IS Loretta Lynn, and even when up against the powerhouse performance of Mary Tyler Moore in "Ordinary People", deserved the Oscar she received. Her breakdown scene should be interwoven with the greatest individual scenes on celluloid when clips of cinema at its best is put together.
Jessica Lange deservedly won praise for her later performance as Cline in "Sweet Dreams" (and got her own Oscar Nomination), but D'Angelo is just as memorable. Ironically, Lange and Spacek co-starred right after that in "Crimes of the Heart", along with another powerhouse, Diane Keaton. Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens are memorable as the Webbs, Loretta's hard-working parents both strict and loving, and filled with the earthly spirit of country folk. They are not stereotypical Ma and Pa Kettle hicks, just real people in a real location making the most out of a little.
The music is sensational, and the CD gives full versions of the sometimes abridged songs in the movie. When Loretta's first audience gets to hear her sing in public for the first time (the song "There He Goes"), you can see in their eyes that they realize that they are present to an unforgettable moment in country music history. Spacek adds humor to her first appearance on radio, telling off the DJ who lied about playing her record, and later misinterpreting a certain word which offends a radio station owner. Be warned; You will feel shudders down your back as D'Angelo breaks into "Sweet Dreams", and when it is repeated on the radio as Spacek and Jones sleep, make sure you have Kleenex handy. "Back in Baby's Arms", Spacek and D'Angelo's duet, shows two powerhouse actresses playing two powerhouse singers, and a lesson in how women in the same industry don't have to be competitors, but can bring out the best in each other.
The clichés of these types of biographies are definitely there, but that really doesn't matter. Only once does the film seem awkward as it moves from one sequence to another, but for the most part, the screenplay flows beautifully, making this the surprise hit of 1980, the type of film that today would sadly end up on cable and be forgotten by tomorrow.
Those are just a few of the wonderful movie musical biographies where a popular actor takes on the role of a legendary performer and isn't doing an "imitation". Some of the performances (Doris Day, in particularly) aren't exact replicas of the original performer, but the story is so perfectly interwoven with the songs that it doesn't matter. In the case of the wonderful Sissy Spacek as Loretta (Webb) Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter", you think you are actually watching Ms. Lynn act out her own story. Listen to Spacek singing, then switch to a CD with Ms. Lynn performing, and you can barely tell the difference. That goes double here, because you also have the wonderful Beverly D'Angelo giving a heartfelt performance as another country legend, the still much missed Patsy Cline.
The first quarter of the movie shows Loretta's hardship in the mountains of Kentucky, a child bride at 14, and an expectant mother soon afterwards. Married to the much more mature Doolittle (Tommy Lee Jones in his star-making role), Loretta sings to her babies, and finally he goes out and buys her a guitar and pushes her to perform live. Ending up on the Grand Old Opry (introduced by none other than Ernest Tubb with Minnie Pearl standing in the background), she is an instant success, and when she is introduced to the legendary Patsy, the two become like sisters. It is Patsy's tragic death in a car accident that sets the stage for Loretta's ultimate nervous breakdown, as well as Doolittle's inability to stay in the background as "Mr. Lynn". Unlike Norman Maine in "A Star is Born", however, Doolittle won't take the noble coward's way out, and you see him grow up himself as he takes her success in stride and leads her to the path of recovery, a story that itself could become a legendary country song like the title song Spacek breaks into at the end.
Breaking away forever from the "Carrie" mold, Spacek proved herself to be a multi-talented star, and one of the shining lights of the 1980's. Her friendly freckle faced real looks made her appealing in all sorts of roles, and here, Spacek does not appear to be acting. She IS Loretta Lynn, and even when up against the powerhouse performance of Mary Tyler Moore in "Ordinary People", deserved the Oscar she received. Her breakdown scene should be interwoven with the greatest individual scenes on celluloid when clips of cinema at its best is put together.
Jessica Lange deservedly won praise for her later performance as Cline in "Sweet Dreams" (and got her own Oscar Nomination), but D'Angelo is just as memorable. Ironically, Lange and Spacek co-starred right after that in "Crimes of the Heart", along with another powerhouse, Diane Keaton. Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens are memorable as the Webbs, Loretta's hard-working parents both strict and loving, and filled with the earthly spirit of country folk. They are not stereotypical Ma and Pa Kettle hicks, just real people in a real location making the most out of a little.
The music is sensational, and the CD gives full versions of the sometimes abridged songs in the movie. When Loretta's first audience gets to hear her sing in public for the first time (the song "There He Goes"), you can see in their eyes that they realize that they are present to an unforgettable moment in country music history. Spacek adds humor to her first appearance on radio, telling off the DJ who lied about playing her record, and later misinterpreting a certain word which offends a radio station owner. Be warned; You will feel shudders down your back as D'Angelo breaks into "Sweet Dreams", and when it is repeated on the radio as Spacek and Jones sleep, make sure you have Kleenex handy. "Back in Baby's Arms", Spacek and D'Angelo's duet, shows two powerhouse actresses playing two powerhouse singers, and a lesson in how women in the same industry don't have to be competitors, but can bring out the best in each other.
The clichés of these types of biographies are definitely there, but that really doesn't matter. Only once does the film seem awkward as it moves from one sequence to another, but for the most part, the screenplay flows beautifully, making this the surprise hit of 1980, the type of film that today would sadly end up on cable and be forgotten by tomorrow.
Good.. But TOO LONG!
Spuzzlightyear13 September 1999
Sissy Spacek plays Loretta Lynn; Butcher Holler farm girl turned Grand Old Opry Singing Legend!
I've always had huge admiration for Spacek; she sure can act her way out of a paper bag. Admittedly, I just saw this movie for the first time today, and I thought she was very good in it. I kind of thought she was better in the first half though, after she gets all famous, for some odd reason, she start to become disinterested in her, perhaps it's because you know she's reached the top, and you can stop rooting for her.
Tommy Lee Jones is also dynamite as her husband, Doolittle. Jones seems to be playing the character one short level above being a total jerk, as I thought he was going to turn at every opportunity, but he just hung in there, though thick and thin. A great part.
As I said above (well, not really) the movie stretches on for a little too long. After she reaches fame and fortune. Now what? It goes blah, and we start to lose interest. The whole movie, when I think about it now, seems to pack a hell of a lot of stuff into it, with MOSTLY success, but mainly, again, in its first half.
I've always had huge admiration for Spacek; she sure can act her way out of a paper bag. Admittedly, I just saw this movie for the first time today, and I thought she was very good in it. I kind of thought she was better in the first half though, after she gets all famous, for some odd reason, she start to become disinterested in her, perhaps it's because you know she's reached the top, and you can stop rooting for her.
Tommy Lee Jones is also dynamite as her husband, Doolittle. Jones seems to be playing the character one short level above being a total jerk, as I thought he was going to turn at every opportunity, but he just hung in there, though thick and thin. A great part.
As I said above (well, not really) the movie stretches on for a little too long. After she reaches fame and fortune. Now what? It goes blah, and we start to lose interest. The whole movie, when I think about it now, seems to pack a hell of a lot of stuff into it, with MOSTLY success, but mainly, again, in its first half.
Biopic Excellent, both in Content and Performances
ForCastleton28 January 2006
If you've never seen this movie, it is a gem of the cinema world. It's the movie portrayal of the great Loretta Lynn's life, who was Country's Leading Lady and perhaps one of the earliest feminists as well. I first saw the movie when I was about thirteen, and became obsessed with it. My sister got it for me as a Christmas present and my love has not ebbed in the eight years since that first viewing.
The best part of this movie is, quite simply, the acting. Sissy Spacek earned her place as my favorite actress after I saw both CMD and Carrie in succession and realized that her range of characters immersion into the roles is amazing. Sissy has an unconventional beauty--pointy nose, freckles, pale skin--that make her acting all the more genuine, since she isn't just some pretty face given a role for ticket sales.
In CMD, she portrays Loretta Lynn from age thirteen to early middle age. She pulls this off remarkably well, with a face that goes from innocent and wondering to, later in life, one of tired acceptance, as a star who is constantly touring. Sissy also sang all of the songs in the movie and nailed a Kentucky accent. My favorite line from the movie is, "Stop that grellin', Doo, you sound like an old BAR a grellin like that.'" I'll admit--I thought Tommy Lee Jones was damn hot as Sissy's husband, Doolittle Lynn. He has icky dyed blonde hair, but besides that, he is a hulking mass of male. His character is wonderful because it isn't a clear-cut "supportive husband" type role. Right from the start of their marriage, Doo breaks his promises to Loretta's father by hitting her and taking her away from the coal mines. Later in marriage, a scorned Doo cheats on Loretta and drunkenly assaults her for wearing too much makeup. It's enough to create a type of villain, but there is another side to Doo. He is her faithful manager and caretaker, and you can tell that, just as when they married, Loretta remains his heart and the center of his world. It's their fame that almost swallows them up, but, without Doo, that dream would never have been realized in the first place.
The story is also that classic "rags to riches" fare that can't be resisted. Loretta and Doo struggle with four kids on a farm in Washington before they even contemplate a go at the music world. Loretta has to learn the guitar in between doing laundry, looking after the kids, and tending the garden. She writes her own songs and performs them in honky tonks, gathering buzz. But it is their laborious road trip to promote her first record where we see how hard it was for them to break into the nation's consciousness.
I would be a fool to forget Beverely D'angelo's role as Patsy Cline! The friendship between Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn is one of the most famous in country's history, and its love and heart shine through in this movie. Beverly helps Loretta navigate the sometimes heartless gossip and traps in the music industry, and helps her to gain feet as an independent woman, as well. Beverly's strong and rich voice mirror her strength and richness as a primary character in CMD.
In short, Coal Miner's Daughter is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-acted biopic of Loretta Lynn's climb from the coal mines to the top of the country music world. She is "proud to be a coal miner's daughter," and you will be proud for her, too.
The best part of this movie is, quite simply, the acting. Sissy Spacek earned her place as my favorite actress after I saw both CMD and Carrie in succession and realized that her range of characters immersion into the roles is amazing. Sissy has an unconventional beauty--pointy nose, freckles, pale skin--that make her acting all the more genuine, since she isn't just some pretty face given a role for ticket sales.
In CMD, she portrays Loretta Lynn from age thirteen to early middle age. She pulls this off remarkably well, with a face that goes from innocent and wondering to, later in life, one of tired acceptance, as a star who is constantly touring. Sissy also sang all of the songs in the movie and nailed a Kentucky accent. My favorite line from the movie is, "Stop that grellin', Doo, you sound like an old BAR a grellin like that.'" I'll admit--I thought Tommy Lee Jones was damn hot as Sissy's husband, Doolittle Lynn. He has icky dyed blonde hair, but besides that, he is a hulking mass of male. His character is wonderful because it isn't a clear-cut "supportive husband" type role. Right from the start of their marriage, Doo breaks his promises to Loretta's father by hitting her and taking her away from the coal mines. Later in marriage, a scorned Doo cheats on Loretta and drunkenly assaults her for wearing too much makeup. It's enough to create a type of villain, but there is another side to Doo. He is her faithful manager and caretaker, and you can tell that, just as when they married, Loretta remains his heart and the center of his world. It's their fame that almost swallows them up, but, without Doo, that dream would never have been realized in the first place.
The story is also that classic "rags to riches" fare that can't be resisted. Loretta and Doo struggle with four kids on a farm in Washington before they even contemplate a go at the music world. Loretta has to learn the guitar in between doing laundry, looking after the kids, and tending the garden. She writes her own songs and performs them in honky tonks, gathering buzz. But it is their laborious road trip to promote her first record where we see how hard it was for them to break into the nation's consciousness.
I would be a fool to forget Beverely D'angelo's role as Patsy Cline! The friendship between Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn is one of the most famous in country's history, and its love and heart shine through in this movie. Beverly helps Loretta navigate the sometimes heartless gossip and traps in the music industry, and helps her to gain feet as an independent woman, as well. Beverly's strong and rich voice mirror her strength and richness as a primary character in CMD.
In short, Coal Miner's Daughter is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-acted biopic of Loretta Lynn's climb from the coal mines to the top of the country music world. She is "proud to be a coal miner's daughter," and you will be proud for her, too.
good, but not quite good enough
HardKnockLife21017 November 2003
I don't like country music. I don't scream every time I hear it or think about suicide or even think about never hearing it again. It's just that I do not like it. So, 'Why get Coal Miner's Daughter?,' you may ask. Well, for one, it was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar back in 1980, so that in itself is a legitimate reason. I'm not familiar with movies from 1980, but I do understand why this was nominated for Best Picture. Also, Sissy Spacek won the Best Actress Oscar. Her acting definitely was excellent and it's awesome that she sang all of her own songs. Tommy Lee Jones also acts well and the whole story line is quite interesting indeed.
BUT, this movie has two major flaws. The first flaw is the manner in which the movie is cut. It seems to jump from scene to scene without any decent explanation of whether the scene is six days or six years from the previous one. This adds to a somewhat flawed understanding of how quickly or how slowly Loretta Lynn achieved fame. My second major complaint pertains to the music. Yes, it is well-performed and fits well with the movie, but after a while, it gets tired. You seem to start hearing the same few guitar chords with only a small change in the lyrics.
Nevertheless, it's definitely worth a watch and it does a god job of portraying her life.
Overall: B
BUT, this movie has two major flaws. The first flaw is the manner in which the movie is cut. It seems to jump from scene to scene without any decent explanation of whether the scene is six days or six years from the previous one. This adds to a somewhat flawed understanding of how quickly or how slowly Loretta Lynn achieved fame. My second major complaint pertains to the music. Yes, it is well-performed and fits well with the movie, but after a while, it gets tired. You seem to start hearing the same few guitar chords with only a small change in the lyrics.
Nevertheless, it's definitely worth a watch and it does a god job of portraying her life.
Overall: B
An above-average biopic that stands the test of time
Lockout_Salties13 October 2022
Before watching, I was very worried Coal Miner's Daughter would be one of those early eighties films about Southern culture that's competently made but wretched to sit through, like Tender Mercies and Places in the Heart. But thankfully I was wrong. This is what a musical biopic should look like, a heartfelt but unflinching portrayal of why and how Loretta Lynn rose to fame.
The star of the show is, unsurprisingly, Sissy Spacek. She's utterly captivating and convincing as Lynn without devolving into scenes of hysteria like so many biographical performances before and since. Rare, too, is the degree of subtly on display: it takes moments that could easily be grating and makes them completely endearing. But the most remarkable thing is that, somehow, Spacek is able to play Loretta at 15 to her mid thirties and stay totally believable throughout, and absent of a lot-if any-makeup. She truly deserves the Oscar for this.
But Spacek is also supported by great work from Tommy Lee Jones as her disgruntled yet well-intentioned husband, and Beverly D'Angelo as an effective (albeit brief) role as Patsy Cline. This isn't the sort of biopic where the lead performance is so much better than everyone else that it's distracting, as seen with The Eyes of Tammy Faye or Harriet. Rather, everyone works together wonderfully to create a realistic ensemble.
And that's really what makes Coal Miner's Daughter such a refreshing movie. This is a film that tells its story with humility and compassion, not stopping to wallow in sentimentality or misery. It simply observes the lives of these characters. The scenes of Loretta living as a star are presented as no more happy for her than when she was living in Kentucky. She never falls off the deep end, nor is she outright desperate for fame. It all just happens to her from talent and some good luck. And throughout it all, Loretta remains essentially the same person-a coal miner's daughter at heart.
Does Coal Miner's Daughter reinvent the biopic formula? Not really. But it's made with such honesty and sensitivity that I can't help but admire how well it turned out.
Final score: 78/100.
The star of the show is, unsurprisingly, Sissy Spacek. She's utterly captivating and convincing as Lynn without devolving into scenes of hysteria like so many biographical performances before and since. Rare, too, is the degree of subtly on display: it takes moments that could easily be grating and makes them completely endearing. But the most remarkable thing is that, somehow, Spacek is able to play Loretta at 15 to her mid thirties and stay totally believable throughout, and absent of a lot-if any-makeup. She truly deserves the Oscar for this.
But Spacek is also supported by great work from Tommy Lee Jones as her disgruntled yet well-intentioned husband, and Beverly D'Angelo as an effective (albeit brief) role as Patsy Cline. This isn't the sort of biopic where the lead performance is so much better than everyone else that it's distracting, as seen with The Eyes of Tammy Faye or Harriet. Rather, everyone works together wonderfully to create a realistic ensemble.
And that's really what makes Coal Miner's Daughter such a refreshing movie. This is a film that tells its story with humility and compassion, not stopping to wallow in sentimentality or misery. It simply observes the lives of these characters. The scenes of Loretta living as a star are presented as no more happy for her than when she was living in Kentucky. She never falls off the deep end, nor is she outright desperate for fame. It all just happens to her from talent and some good luck. And throughout it all, Loretta remains essentially the same person-a coal miner's daughter at heart.
Does Coal Miner's Daughter reinvent the biopic formula? Not really. But it's made with such honesty and sensitivity that I can't help but admire how well it turned out.
Final score: 78/100.
Simple and Heartwarming
gcd709 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Simple, heartwarming tale of much loved country singer/songwriter Loretta Lynn and her life from poor "Coal Miner's Daughter" to the world's biggest country and western female since Patsy Clein.
What makes the film such a winner is the infectious, homely screenplay from Tom Rickman, the down to earth direction from Michael Apted and the strong central performance from Sissy Spacek.
Tom Rickman's balanced adaptation of the autobiographical novel by Loretta Lynn and George Vecsey makes the astute direction of Apted look all the more impressive with its ability to tell a plain old, grass roots story and give it real warmth and humanity.
But really, top marks to Spacek who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the simple, back woods hillbilly from Butcher Holler, Kentucky who took the world by storm with "Honky Tonk Girl", "You Ain't Woman Enough" and many other fine country hits. Credit also to the support cast, including Tommy Lee Jones as DoLittle Lynn, the young soldier who married the thirteen year old Loretta, and after rather lacking understanding for her needs, discovered her raw talent for singing and strumming a guitar. Beverly D'Angelo pops in as the late, great Patsy Clein who befriends young Loretta and takes her under wing.
Ralf D. Bode captures Kentucky and Tennessee with skill, editor Arthur Schmidt is on the ball while those tunes come from you know who.
P.S. Spacek and D'Angelo sang the songs themselves. Incredible!
Wednesday, December 4, 1996 - Video
What makes the film such a winner is the infectious, homely screenplay from Tom Rickman, the down to earth direction from Michael Apted and the strong central performance from Sissy Spacek.
Tom Rickman's balanced adaptation of the autobiographical novel by Loretta Lynn and George Vecsey makes the astute direction of Apted look all the more impressive with its ability to tell a plain old, grass roots story and give it real warmth and humanity.
But really, top marks to Spacek who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the simple, back woods hillbilly from Butcher Holler, Kentucky who took the world by storm with "Honky Tonk Girl", "You Ain't Woman Enough" and many other fine country hits. Credit also to the support cast, including Tommy Lee Jones as DoLittle Lynn, the young soldier who married the thirteen year old Loretta, and after rather lacking understanding for her needs, discovered her raw talent for singing and strumming a guitar. Beverly D'Angelo pops in as the late, great Patsy Clein who befriends young Loretta and takes her under wing.
Ralf D. Bode captures Kentucky and Tennessee with skill, editor Arthur Schmidt is on the ball while those tunes come from you know who.
P.S. Spacek and D'Angelo sang the songs themselves. Incredible!
Wednesday, December 4, 1996 - Video
lousy "bliblical epic" of poverty
osloj28 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Coal Miner's Daughter is the type of film constructed that seems to recreate meager events as important but in reality they are nothing more than fabricated fluff which attempt to move us in some way.
What we have here is an endeavor to create a "bliblical epic" about a disproportionate life of poverty. There's no Marxist analogy though, just an acceptance of lousy conditions under the brutal and greedy mine companies. The noble life of poverty is supposed to make us side with the righteous Loretta Lyn, played like a spiritless doll by Sissy Spacek.
Enter the ignorant young girl who dreams of a better life. She meets up with an abusive drunk loser and falls in love. Simplistic, even idiotic. She's vicious at heart, loathing her brothers and sisters, even her parents who are warped by an infatuation with Appalachian Christianity, complete with moon shining hypocrisy, etc. Her claim to fame, shown in an uncritical light, is that she can sing like an injured cat.
What appeal this would have to intelligent people is beyond me, obviously it is made for the masses who cry at such nefarious laid back stories that are ideal for showcasing lies which manipulate emotions. It's biased, and only casts Loretta Lyn as a benign genius who can sing and act like a saint, everything really human about her, including her faults, which would make the story interesting, is left out.
What we have here is an endeavor to create a "bliblical epic" about a disproportionate life of poverty. There's no Marxist analogy though, just an acceptance of lousy conditions under the brutal and greedy mine companies. The noble life of poverty is supposed to make us side with the righteous Loretta Lyn, played like a spiritless doll by Sissy Spacek.
Enter the ignorant young girl who dreams of a better life. She meets up with an abusive drunk loser and falls in love. Simplistic, even idiotic. She's vicious at heart, loathing her brothers and sisters, even her parents who are warped by an infatuation with Appalachian Christianity, complete with moon shining hypocrisy, etc. Her claim to fame, shown in an uncritical light, is that she can sing like an injured cat.
What appeal this would have to intelligent people is beyond me, obviously it is made for the masses who cry at such nefarious laid back stories that are ideal for showcasing lies which manipulate emotions. It's biased, and only casts Loretta Lyn as a benign genius who can sing and act like a saint, everything really human about her, including her faults, which would make the story interesting, is left out.
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