Carried Away (1996)

Settled lives tend to undergo upheaval once they come to grips with middle age, mortality, and human sexuality. Such is the case for Joseph Svenden (Dennis Hopper), a failed farmer who has become a moping high school teacher, in the small town drama Carried Away (1996). Also known as Acts of Love, Bruno Barreto’s R-rated film is based on Jim Harrison’s novel Farmer (1976). It follows Svenden’s rote relationship with girlfriend Rosealee Henson (played by Amy Irving, who was married to the director at the time). Alas, it seems she doesn’t stand a chance once a sultry seventeen-year-old minx called Catherine Wheeler (Amy Locane) wheels into town with her father Major Nathan Wheeler (Gary Busey). The sexy school girl quickly hops from Hopper’s class into his bed. Presented with non-sensationalistic leisure, Carried Away explores complex textures within the fabric of human relations — as well as examining practically every inch of Dennis’s skin! In one scene, the leading man sheds his threads to seduce Ms. Irving’s character. As such, we get to view his full frontal nudity. We’re talking hairy chest, bare ass, sack and shaft! In fact, the uninhibited actor said, “You wouldn’t believe what was cut,” after watching the final print. “Sometimes I couldn’t believe what [Barreto] was asking me to do.” Oh, to see what was left on the cutting room floor! Nevertheless, Mr. Hopper’s generous dose of flesh ensures the film lives up to its title. In other words, you may get carried away while watching Carried Away.