seeingbystarlight So writes Wendell Goddard about his parents, in this surprising little gem of a movie.The story revolves around three characters:Emma Riley (Holly Hunter), a charming, divorced woman who's been hired as a live-in housekeeper.Richard Goddard (Michael Moriarty), the old fashioned college professor who hired her.And his aforementioned troubled son Wendell (Kiefer Southerland), an aspiring poet who spends his days locked in his room.The death of Richard's wife Marion (Elaine Pidgen) has caused a rift between the two men.Wendell writes scathing, though not inarticulate, poetry about his unhappy home life.Richard, meanwhile, shakes his head at his son's instability.The arrival of Emma in their lives only makes matters worse as they're both attracted to the lovely woman (and she to them).Though just a little movie, the acting and direction are impressive, making this sleeper one of the best stories about a love triangle that I've ever seen. And there haven't been very many.Also adding to the story is Wendell's 24 hour wife Monica (Carrie Preston), who gives it unexpected levity.The ending really makes the movie, coming to a conclusion in a way that is satisfactory as well as very positive.This is one of my favorites.I'm really impressed that Kiefer Southerland was the director.Originally, Review #125Posted On: July 8, 2011

lavatch This made-for-television film from 1999 is a domestic drama that focuses on the father-son relationship in a dysfunctional family. The father, a distinguished physics professor, runs an add for a live-in cook and cleaner. But the job description also includes healing the wounds between the father and son.Michael Moriarty, Kiefer Sutherland, and Holly Hunter are the three performers asked to tackle this challenging project. It turns out that both the father and son fall in love with the housekeeper. As the drama unfolds, there could be almost any possible outcome to this explosive situation. American playwright Eugene O'Neill wrote a brilliant play on the same subject entitled "Desire Under the Elms." "Woman Wanted" is uneven and never reaches the level of intensity of O'Neill's play. The credibility is often strained, and there is even a lapse into comedy when the young man gets married and brings his bride home, only to ask his father to arrange an annulment! But the final thirty minutes of the film are compelling. Sutherland's character evolves nicely, as does Hunter's all-too-human role of the housekeeper. There was good feeling in the performances, and although there were apparent disagreements about directorial choices, the film was shot effectively with smooth transitions and effective scoring.This may not be a great film, but it is nonetheless a thoughtful one and well above average for made-for-television films.

karenmcb57 This move was a project of Kiefer's that he really believed in. Then the editors got a hold of it and butchered it quite badly. Kiefer pulled his name from the credits and that is why you see Smithee's name as director. His mother, Shirley Douglas, is listed very high in the opening credits, but in the cut version, you never see her. The author also has a small part and it was also cut. I have to agree with the previous comment that the DVD, and the version you see on the television now, is the cut version. I also notice there is a very large discrepancy of pricing in the VHS versions. I am myself looking for the uncut version, as I have not yet seen it. I am a huge Kiefer fan, and have talked to him personally about this film. Over the years he has allowed his name back on the credits, but still feels bad over what happened

deadlymistress24 I am the hugest Kiefer Sutherland fan, so when I was flipping through the channels and saw this movie, I immediately had to watch it. So I did. I wasn't entirely sure what would come out of the movie, but I was surprised to find myself somewhat pleased. Sutherland did an excellent job in acting and directing this film. Moriarty was a very unique character, and Hunter brought a sort of wholesomeness to the movie. However, I do agree that the ending is a little mind boggling. I know that Hunter's character went to church and prayed for a child, but I didn't believe it would happen. As the previous reviewer said, no one really knows who the father of the child is and that is creepy. But when you see the end, you notice that there is a picture of both men kissing the top of the child's head, so whatever the answer is to the question of the child's father, it may not seem relevant. What is relevant is that this poignant story of father and son finally coming together, despite many obstacles is truly a story to behold.