Extremely odd, aloof adaptation of John Steinbeck's book (with a helping of his "Sweet Thursday") about amateur Marine biologist who has a rocky courtship with a flighty floozy in WWII-era California. Good-looking comedy-drama has lovely cinematography and art direction, stylish production design, but it just misses. There's no reason given why the general feeling should be so glum, and the characters are as wayward as the script. Nick Nolte is so laid-back he's practically non-existent; Debra Winger (who stepped in after Raquel Welch was let go) is too fiery and determined to be convincing as a drifter. A really uneven mix of surrealism, romance, nostalgia, and eccentric comedy that, sadly, doesn't come off. A fascinating attempt, nevertheless.
Review of Cannery Row
