Head Above Water (1996) User Reviews

Too bad that in the end it all got a bit unbelievable and over the top

[philip_vanderveken · 7/10 · 26 May 2005]

I love comedies, especially when they are dark like "Head Above Water". I remember seeing this movie for the very first time about five years ago and it had me completely in its power. But in the meantime I've seen so many good movies, that I wondered if this would still be as good as I remembered it to be. The answer is no, not completely. Yes, it is still a very nice movie, but not as great as some other dark comedies that I've seen in the recent past.

Nathalie has recently been married to George, a prominent judge who she met when she had to stand trial. They now have taken a holiday in Nathalie's idyllic summerhouse in the middle of nowhere and the only person in the neighborhood is Nathalie's old friend and neighbor Lance, who joins them. When George and Lance go on a fishing trip, Nathalie's former lover turns up. He has a couple of drinks and then falls asleep in Nathalies bed ... naked. When George and Lance suddenly come back home, Nathalie panics. She tries to wake Lance up, but he's dead and the only idea she can come up with is hiding his body under the floor board, where he will soon be discovered...

Despite or perhaps thanks to the small cast, you'll see some fine acting. Harvey Keitel is a good actor and he does a nice job playing the judge who goes crazy. Cameron Diaz is also enjoyable as Nathalie, the woman with more troubles around her head than she can cope with. In fact, all actors did a good and convincing job portraying their characters, but it wasn't enough to make this movie a masterpiece. What bothered me most was the fact that it all started to go too far. All the characters had to die in such an unbelievable and over-the-top way, that it spoiled a lot of my fun. Nevertheless I must admit that I enjoyed big parts of the movie and that's why I still give it a 7/10. It's not the best example of a dark comedy, but I've seen worse.

Intense and a bit confusing

[Atreyu_II · 7/10 · 2 August 2007]

"Head Above Water" is underrated. Despite its simplicity, it is a different movie experience. Why? Well, for one thing, there are very few movies with such few number of actors and characters, being Walt Disney's "Old Yeller" one of those rarities. But that's not all. The movie is classified as a macabre comedy but contains lots of suspense and is more of a thriller. Its events almost resemble what happens in the later "What Lies Benneath".

Yes, "Head Above Water" has its moments of comedy. Some are light comedy, but most of them are black humor. People should beware of this. And it's not too much to remind that this movie can be shocking at times and also deals with very serious stuff, such as fear, panic, horror, sadism, violence and death. Nevertheless, it is very far from being a movie of extremes like "A Clockwork Orange" is and is certainly way more comfortable and pleasant to watch, but it can be a disturbing film.

Speaking of the moments of comedy, one of the most hilarious is when George gets in the house, closes the door and has a tantrum attack, cursing what's happening to him. But the funniest moments come, in majority, from Lance and Nathalie. I also like very much the way how Lance makes George and Nathalie have a bad time while trying to get rid of Kent's body (without Lance knowing) and the part when Nathalie throws Lance to the water, followed by Nathalie swimming. That's when one of the movie's hottest scenes happen: she gives Lance a love kiss under the water. Later, when Lance asks «What was that today? Us, under the water?», it's funny how she replies «Old times» and then he replies almost laughing «Old times? I don't remember that part».

Where "Head Above Water" takes place is unknown. But I've got to tell this: that is a beautiful island which can only be reached by boat. It has a very relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, surrounded only by the infinitive sea and the island's natural beauty. Not to mention that the house of this movie is humble and nice. It really makes one wanna spend holidays in such a wonderful place.

As for the characters, Lance is an interesting, humorous and friendly character. But I also admire his pacific spirit and his capacity to hide his emotions and feelings. He's secretly in love with Nathalie, but he knows that she's a married woman, so he wouldn't cross that line. Craig Sheffer portrays very well this character.

Nathalie is a loving and beautiful woman. I love her funny facial expressions and her smile. But she's also an extremely depressed and frightened woman. It's impossible not to feel sorry for her. This is by far one of Cameron Diaz's finest performances. This was before she got really famous. Back then she seemed to be a better actress and used to play better movie roles. Anyway, here she is just as good as in "The Mask". And boy, she looks equally gorgeous in this film! Those blue eyes, that pretty hair, those long and sexy legs and a smile to die for... wow!

George, on the other hand, seems to be a nice guy at first, but as the movie runs he slowly reveals being a psychopath. Despite being a judge, his sadism grows stronger as the movie runs. Nevertheless, Harvey Keitel is great in this film. For me, he has never been this good, before or after.

As for Kent, he's a cool character, but also a very depressed one with an alcohol problem and a heart's weakness. Billy Zane's performance as Kent is good, but with a slight problem: sometimes it's difficult to understand what is he saying. Also, he seems to "chew" his words sometimes.

This movie has one of the strongest plots of all time. The story is strong, thrilling, dramatic, simple yet completely unpredictable, complex and confusing. The mystery of Kent's death is present practically all over the movie. While undeniably confusing, the conclusion I get is that George knew that Kent sent the postcard, knew he was coming and put it on Lance's mailbox to frame him. He also does that to avoid Nathalie from knowing the truth and, knowing he was coming, he plans secretly (and successfully) Kent's death. Both Lance and Nathalie become innocent victims of George's macabre scheme.

"Head Above Water" is in general carefully made, with lots of attention to detail. While it has lots of solid arguments, its soundtrack is nothing special.

Pretty decent dark comedy with the sexy Cameron Diaz that involves a triple love triangle!

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 11 May 2008]

"Head Above Water" certainly isn't a classic film or anything, yet it's probably worth a watch even though the film is short and the humor is dark and the plot is somewhat weak. The performances from Diaz and Keitel make it worth a view. Cameron Diaz as sexy as ever stars as Nathalie a free spirited young lady who's had a rough past with substance abuse, and supposedly now that her spouse is a judge named George(Harvey Keitel)her problems have washed ashore at their summer beach place. Upon a visit from an ex flame of Nathalie's a young man Kent(Billy Zane)takes an unexpected departure and things only become more complex when nearby friend Lance(Craig Sheffer)rounds out the mix in what is found to be a triple love triangle! Overall nothing great it's just some good and sexy work from Diaz in one of her early works as the plot just unravels to show a slick and messy triple love triangle.

This is nail-biting stuff!

[Philip Miseldine · 26 December 1999]

The great thing about this film is that once the usual character-building stuff is out of the way, you will not move an inch and your eyes will only move if you have a widescreen television...

Sterling performances from both Harvey Keitell and Cameron Diaz really make this film come alive and as incident after incident fall upon the hapless couple, you feel yourself gripping the chair more and more, your nails getting smaller and smaller, and the enjoyment increasing and increasing.

All in all, Head Above Water is a great film, with good (if not at times, erratic) directing, and with superb acting.

Woman is The Best Way To Go !

[elshikh4 · 7/10 · 3 December 2007]

This is a strange movie for sure. Not bad, but so strange. I got confused after the first watching, asking: what was that anyway?! Till I discovered the whole thing in the leisurely second time.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's all about the woman. This little inimical black comedy aims at one point, and one point only, which's: WOMAN is the root of all evil, the most effective way to die, or the angel of death on earth who reaps the souls of the men only!

Just look at all the movie's events to catch on the wily hidden meaning: We have that dazzling young Eve, and all of those Adams who everyone of them loves her, and deals with her in a different way (a fatherly husband, a lover friend, a repugnant enemy, and an outsider) while she innocently and unintentionally destroys them all. So the theory of that movie is: We, as all the men, are dying because of the woman for direct or indirect reasons. Even the poor old policeman at the end, as the fourth and last type of men around her, got killed also, instead of her. As she's the ultimate slasher, or death itself. So you'll find out about why it's an island, as an epitome of the world, and how any male got involved with the sole woman there would meet his end; like it's heaven again, but with Eve as the devil!

Yes, the ways of deaths seemed so absurd, but if you scrutinized a bit, you'd detect that it all happened because of her, or because of the idiocy of men in front of her. Therefore they were absurd indeed, however as the movie's good mockery of those foolish males whose their only sin was loving, caring for, and helping out one female!

So, in (Head Above Water) the female is the most operative bane for the men, as she was created for cutting their heads off perfectly! Although that was expressed powerfully, but when it comes to reality, I'm not convinced. Because if there is a woman as kind and sincere as (Diaz) in this movie, then I'll give her my head, and my heart, gladly!

The problems of a romantic triangle on a secluded Maine island

[Wuchakk · 6/10 · 29 March 2015]

Released in 1996, "Head above Water" is a black/romantic dramedy about a couple living on an island off the coast of Maine (Harvey Keitel and Cameron Diaz) and their grounds keeper (Craig Sheffer). A series of serious problems arise when the girl's ex-boyfriend visits while the guys are on a fishing trip (Billy Zane).

This is a generally entertaining farce highlighted by the beauty of both Diaz and the coastal locations. While the plot is simple you have to pay attention or you'll miss various twists where the viewer is led to believe one thing, which is then proved false by further information. I didn't pay attention too well the first time I viewed it and therefore discovered some enlightening elements on my second viewing.

BOTTOM LINE: "Head above Water" isn't bad at all, but it's not great either, although it has an interesting subtext (see below). At any rate, it's a must for Diaz fans (as well as Keitel and Sheffer) and those who love the Maine coast.

The film runs 96 minutes and was shot in Phippsburg, Maine.

GRADE: Borderline B-/C+

***SPOILER ALERT*** (Don't read further if you haven't seen the movie)

The subtext is obvious: Beautiful women equal death (think Metallica's DEATH MAGNETIC). In the movie Natalie is indirectly the cause of death of all the men, which include: the bad boy (Kent), the fatherly husband (George), her best friend from childhood who's always had a crush on her (Lance), and the policeman at the end seeking to save a damsel in distress.

Plenty of "?".

[DukeEman · 6/10 · 22 February 2003]

Uneven humor? Hit and miss? Are we meant to laugh? That's why they call it "Black Comedy". It's Mr. Keitel playing a Judge romancing Diaz that I wasn't so convinced about. But when he turns nasty, you feel comfortable, knowing that he's the right person to do it!!! At least the plot turns and twists, giving us something to think about.

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

[stamper · 7/10 · 10 February 2002]

This is really not a ground breaking film, with any particularly great performances or something, but definitely a film one can watch. It is quite funny and holds a few surprises. I felt that sometimes Cameron Diaz' physique / looks received too much attention and it felt objectifying.

6,5 out of 10

Note: this review has been amended to remove some sexist comments I included at the time. Apologies for any offence caused. I was young and stupid at the time, thinking I was being 'cool'.

Contrived and very average ............

[merklekranz · 5/10 · 1 February 2010]

The acting is pretty good, and seeing Harvey Keitel playing in a dark comedy was a pleasant surprise. What was not so pleasant was the plot. It starts out looking like another attempt to get rid of a dead body, like "Enid is Sleeping" or Drop Dead Sexy". What it winds up being is an overly complicated, convoluted black comedy, that is only marginally successful. Some of the plot contrivances are so unrealistic that they weaken the entire movie. Things like the postcard, a vodka bottle, and most of all a runaway chainsaw are nothing but ludicrous distractions. To top things off we get a completely unnecessary boat explosion as part of the astoundingly unbelievable conclusion. Very average at best. - MERK

6.3/10.

[athanasiosze · 6/10 · 7 October 2023]

This is a 90's dark comedy. You can say it's a typical one but if you'd like to be more precise, this is not too "dark", it plays more like a comedy. There war far darker comedies in this decade. This is funny all the way, in fact, it gets funnier and funnier as it's progressing. Also absurd in the end, for sure over the top as another reviewer mentioned. I didn't mind it, i was entertained and i enjoyed it. Keitel is almost hilarious. And Diaz shows some acting skills, proving at this point she is not just a beautiful face. It's not a MUST WATCH movie, i could live without ever watching it but i didn't regret it, i would say it's slightly better than i expected.

So, if you are a 90's movies fan, you should probably watch it, too.

Terrible remake of great Norwegian film

[dagarach · 3/10 · 5 November 2001]

This film is a massive Yawn proving that Americans haven't got the hang of farce. Even when it has already been written for them! The original film "Hodet Over Vannet" is a witty comedy of errors that I would rate 8/10. It isn't just about a linguistic translation, but certain absurd chains of events are skipped entirely, robbing the film of its original clever farcical nature and turning it into a cheap "oops there go my trousers" style of farce.

Very entertaining dark comedy

[perfectbond · 8/10 · 24 June 2003]

I really enjoyed the performances in this film. Harvey Keitel again proves his tremendous range. Cameron Diaz is a very talented comedic actress and her makeup is very skillfully applied in this film. Billy Zane is again a third wheel (see Dead Calm and Titanic) but this time it's a comedy. The plot twists and turns are great fun to follow. 8/10.

A well made, fun dark comedy

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 24 February 2023]

For all the films that Harvey Keitel has made, this feels like a slightly more conventional comedy, of the type that the "Frat Pack" or Ed Helms might make. Though it carries a rather darker bent in accordance with the crime thriller story from which the humor is spun (to some extent recalling Cameron Diaz's 'Very bad things'), still it's cheekily lighthearted at its core, with a minor madcap energy as unremarkable exposition quickly gives way to the scenario spiraling out of control. For all that, it's even more of a delight to see Keitel participating in such a feature, and to see the chemistry he has with Diaz and Craig Sheffer as scene partners is simply a joy. Add in a unique role for screen stalwart Billy Zane and wonderfully playful original music from Christopher Young, and 'Head above water' is a lot more fun that I supposed before I started watching.

Theresa Marie doesn't seem to have any other credits to her name, but her adapted screenplay here is gratifyingly smart and clever. The characters are filled with personality, depth, and little complexities, nevermind the relationships between them, and this is the real heart of the picture. The sharp dialogue and scene writing, building the twisted, discrete plot bit by morbid bit, are just bonuses to propel the course of events as dynamics shift. Producer and filmmaker Jim Wilson demonstrates a keen mind in his direction to orchestrate shots and scenes and guide his cast, nevertheless leaving the actors just enough room to put a little a little bit of themselves into these characters. To that point, everyone here is clearly having such a great time with the sordid saga, and the situations and scenes it allows them to explore, and it really is such a pleasure just to see Keitel, Diaz, and Sheffer play in the spaces given to them.

Reaping the benefits of a beautiful filming location (there's no place like Maine), and excellent work in all regards from those behind the scenes, including production design and wardrobe, at length the result is unfailingly well done and entertaining. Ninety minutes pass swiftly as the plot thickens. All involved made terrific contributions to bring the movie to life, and to be honest I can't especially think of any distinct flaw. If anything I would only say that 'Head above water' perhaps never reaches an utmost crescendo to produce major thrills or commensurate laughter; it's roundly enjoyable, but not riotous. Whether one chalks up that tenor to intentional relative nuance or simply to a specific deficiency in the writing or direction is maybe a question for every viewer to answer for themselves - but even at that, the climax is such an outrageous, unlikely, Rube Goldberg-like cascade of nonsense that the picture concludes with a very strong finish.

This isn't necessarily something one needs to go out of their way to see, unless perhaps one is a huge fan of someone involved. If you have the chance to watch, though, 'Head above water' is well worth one's time.

YOU CALL THIS A COMEDY ???

[dancoman · 1/10 · 20 January 2002]

It was a Sunday night and I was waiting for the advertised movie on TV. They said it was a comedy! The movie started, 10 minutes passed, after that 30 minutes and I didn't laugh not even once. The fact is that the movie ended and I didn't get even on echance to laugh. PLEASE, someone tickle me, I lost 90 minutes for nothing.

Norwegian version better

[Giraff · 25 May 1999]

Quick note for the norwegian readers. The film "Head above water is a remake of Mikkel Gaups' "Hodet over vannet". The original is much better. Also, don't leave the theatre at once, wait until after the credits :)

This one sinks..

[goya-4 · 2/10 · 6 October 2000]

Cameron Diaz is a woman who is married to a judge, played by Harvey Keitel, whose life is fine until an ex shows up and things get a little complicated.. While I was watching this movie there were several times i asked myself why I was doing so..because the movie is so ridiculous and blah and poorly scripted without any believability. Nor does the audience really car what happens..Even the lovely Cameron can't save this one on a scale of one to ten..2

This was a bad movie.

[Tim-126 · 1/10 · 12 March 1999]

This movie was billed as a comedy and a mystery. It fails badly at both. The only mystery here is why would anybody make such a poorly constructed movie. The only comedy is the laugh I got when I saw how high the readers here ranked it. Could there be two movies with the same name? The movie I saw starred a girl with pretty blue eyes and a plot that wasn't there.

I love this movie

[oneeasyjob · 10/10 · 19 December 2004]

This movie has got to be one of the greatest movies I ever seen. This is a true work of art. All the movies today are all big budget with their big effects and people are forgetting the most important part of a movie is the story which HEAD ABOVE WATER is very strong in. The characters are great. Keitel is awesome. Diaz is hilarious with her facial expressions. The movie keeps you guessing and laughing all the way through and only gets better as the story unfolds. It has a twist that you never see coming. The writing is great. And another thing I find interesting is how a story with only 3 people in it can hold the attention of the audience. That says something great about the writer. HEAD ABOVE WATER is a story and character driven movie that I'd recommend to anyone!

too much Weekend at Bernie's

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 16 May 2015]

Superior court judge George (Harvey Keitel) sentenced Nathalie (Cameron Diaz) to two years probation and then married her. She's happy and brings him to her family's summer island home. Her childhood friend Lance (Craig Sheffer) is the caretaker living in a cabin. Lance takes George on an overnight fishing trip. Nathalie is alone and her ex-boyfriend Kent (Billy Zane) shows up. His girlfriend left him and they spend the day drinking together. The next morning, she wakes up on the couch with the boat coming back. Kent however is dead and naked in the bed. She decides to hide the body and screwball wackiness ensues.

I'm not sure why Nathalie has to hide Kent. I'm even less sure why George has to hide Kent. It may be embarrassing but they could have dressed him up and call the cops. He wasn't even there when Kent died. The broken neck is post-mortem. All the moving the dead body around is kind of pointless and is reminiscent of 'Weekend at Bernie's'. They keep making things worst and worst for no good reason. I keep thinking there has to be better ways to do this.

The comedic tone doesn't make it funny. This could have been much better darker. It could be Hitchcockian with some better writing. I don't think the screwball comedy works at all. However a dark psychological thriller could work.

A farce in more ways than one...

[Howlin Wolf · 1/10 · 8 March 2002]

Have I ever seen a film more shockingly inept? I can think of plenty that equal this one, but none which manage to outdo it. The cast are all horrible stereotypes lumbered with flat dialogue. I am ashamed for all of the people involved in making this. Each one wears an expression of fear not generated by the plot, but by the realisation that this project could easily nix their career. Even the many charms of Ms. Diaz don't provide an adequate reason to subject yourself to this. Avoid, it's obviously a style of film that Americans haven't really got a grasp of. Watch the final result if you must, and you'll see what I'm talking about, but DON'T say I didn't warn you...

Irrealistic plot

[W-J · 3/10 · 1 June 1999]

Story starts slow and nothing funny happens for a while. All the action is in the end, but you won't have to laugh because the movie is funny, but because the story is pathetic.

The funniest part is when Harvey 'I'm not Paranoia' Keitel really loses it and the judge starts a massacre. Oscars for this guy!

Black comedies don't get much better than this...

[aro-2 · 10/10 · 22 November 1998]

Get this plot line: married couple Keitel and Diaz are on vacation (honeymoon, maybe, can't remember), on a small island. Their only neighbor is Sheffer, a friend of Diaz. Along comes Zane, as Diaz's ex-lover. He talks Diaz into letting him stay the night. The next morning when Diaz goes to check on him, he's dead. Cause of death is, appearantly, a heart attack. At that same moment Keitel and Sheffer are arriving on shore. She tries to hide the body, but Keitel stumbles onto it (literally). Did I mention that Keitel is a judge? He believes that the only solutions would be to dispose of the body, or possibly be charged with murder. At that point the question arises about his death. Could it have been murder? If so, let's look at the suspects. Diaz obviously didn't kill him, so that leaves the other two. Is it Keitel, the possibly jealous husband, or Sheffer? This plot has "potential" written all over it.

Head Above Water is a remarkable black comedy with great performances and a great script that keeps you guessing. Just when you think you've found the killer, along comes some new evidence to point you in another direction. It plays great as both a Mystery and a Comedy, although the comedy is quite subtle. Anyone with a taste for mystery and comedy is in for a real surprise. Even if you aren't into those genre's, you'll still enjoy this great film. It would be extremely hard to dislike, because it's just so much fun.

14-carat Turkey...

[sebadee · 1/10 · 11 July 1999]

Turgid dialogue, feeble characterization - Harvey Keitel a judge? He plays more like an off-duty hitman - and a tension-free plot conspire to make one of the unfunniest films of all time. You feel sorry for the cast as they try to extract comedy from a dire and lifeless script. Avoid!

Sluggish black comedy

[gridoon · 5/10 · 21 May 2002]

Sluggish black comedy that begins with a promising situation but doesn't go anywhere with it and finally doesn't amount to much. However, the mesmerizingly beautiful Cameron Diaz and the pleasant locations at least make the film easy on the eyes, and there is one scene, with Keitel and Diaz trying to dispose of a body by throwing it into the sea, that is mildly funny. (**)