Mermaids (1990 film)
| Mermaids | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Benjamin |
| Written by | June Roberts |
| Based on | Mermaids by Patty Dann |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Howard Atherton |
| Edited by | Jacqueline Cambas |
| Music by | Jack Nitzsche |
| Distributed by | Orion Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $20 million |
| Box office | $35.4 million |
Mermaids is a 1990 American family comedy-drama film directed by Richard Benjamin, and starring Cher, Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder, Michael Schoeffling, and Christina Ricci in her film debut. Based on Patty Dann's 1986 novel of the same name, and set in 1963, its plot follows a neurotic teenage girl who moves with her wayward mother and younger sister to a small town in Massachusetts.
Originally planned as the English-language debut of Swedish director Lasse Hallström, the film was ultimately directed by Benjamin after both Hallström and Frank Oz abandoned the project. Filming took place in various locations in Massachusetts in fall 1989.
Released in December 1990, the film was met with mostly positive reviews, with acclaim towards the performance of Ryder, who received a Golden Globe Award nomination and a National Board of Review Award. Ricci also won a Young Artist Award for her performance.