ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 23, 1996 TAG: 9603250106
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 10 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: MOVIE REVIEW
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
``Girl 6'' is yet another surprise from the always innovative Spike Lee.
Though the film was made on a low budget - compared with "Malcolm X" or "Do the Right Thing" - it's one of his most ambitious, combining reality and imagination in a fluid mix. For a more apt comparison, think of "All That Jazz" made on the fly.
"Girl 6'' is the name given to a young New York actress (Theresa Randle) when she takes a job at a phone sex service. For lonely men (and couples) with a valid credit card, she becomes the untouchable fantasy of choice. She learns to listen to her callers and ask the right questions to create the characters of their dreams. But fantasies can create lives of their own, and Girl 6 herself isn't immune.
Jimmy (Lee), her neighbor and best friend, can see that the job is changing her. Her ex (Isaiah Washington) would like to get back into her life, and she finds that her new occupation has altered the balance of sexual power in their relationship.
The script by playwright Suzan-Lori Parks combines what appear to be realistic details of the business with a subtle analysis of the relative roles of men and women in long-distance sex-for-sale. She also uses a human-interest news story to show Girl 6's changing state of mind.
Lee handles this potentially salacious subject with humor and heart. He's not interested in condemning anyone - after all, it's an economic transaction between consenting adults. No disease is spread. Most of the time, neither party is harmed. When someone is hurt, everything changes.
The cast is filled out with a remarkable number of high-profile cameos, from Halle Berry and model Naomi Campbell to John Turturro and Madonna as a self-deprecating, slutty phone bank boss. But Theresa Randle's assured performance is the core of the film. She makes Girl 6 a complex character - part romantic, part cynic, always believable and sympathetic.
Lee paints her world with rough grainy colors. He's careful to deglamorize the material, too. There's not a single moment of exploitation.
Even so, this is such strong stuff that it's not for everyone. For Lee's fans, though, "Girl 6'' is a treat, one of his most enjoyable, funny and accessible films.
Girl 6 ***
A Fox Searchlight release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View 6. 106 min. Rated R for subject matter, strong language, brief nudity.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Theresa Randle plays the title role in "Girl 6."by CNB