Curse of the Starving Class

Synopsis

Curse of the Starving Class is a drama film released in 1994, directed by J. Michael McClary and starring James Woods. The movie follows the dysfunctional Tate family, struggling with poverty and broken dreams on their dilapidated farm. As their lives spiral into chaos, each family member battles their own internal demons, leading to a series of shocking events that test their bonds and resilience. With themes of survival, betrayal, and the destructive nature of ambition, Curse of the Starving Class offers a raw and intense portrayal of a family in turmoil, exploring the dark side of the American Dream.

Cast

• 

  James Woods

  Weston Tate

• 

  Kathy Bates

  Ella Tate

• 

  Randy Quaid

  Taylor

• 

  Henry Thomas

  Wesley Tate

• Kristin Fiorella

  Emma Tate

• 

  Louis Gossett Jr.

  Ellis

Reviews

Curse of the Starving Class received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the authenticity of the performances and the film's gritty portrayal of rural hardship, others found the narrative disjointed and the characters hard to empathize with. Rotten Tomatoes described it as 'a raw and unflinching look at a family teetering on the edge, but its bleakness may not resonate with all viewers' giving it a rating of 3.5/5. Metacritic highlighted the film's strong performances but criticized its pacing, calling it 'a slow burn that may leave some audiences cold' with a score of 55/100. Despite the polarizing reviews, IMDb users rated it 5.6/10, acknowledging its unique perspective on the complexities of family dynamics and societal pressures.