Bed of Roses (released in theaters on January 26, 1996) is a sincere and unabashedly romantic drama that stands out for its quiet, earnest approach to love in the modern age. Written and directed by Michael Goldenberg, the film eschews the cynical “meet-cute” tropes of the mid-nineties for something more poetic and atmospheric.
Set against a lushly photographed New York City, it treats romance as a healing force, exploring how two guarded souls can find a common language through the simple, beauty-focused world of floriculture.
It is a film that values sentimentality, using the changing seasons of the city to mirror the emotional thaw of its protagonists.
Lisa Walker (Mary Stuart Masterson) is a high-powered, workaholic investment banker who has built a formidable emotional wall around herself.
Raised in a series of foster homes and recently reeling from the death of her abusive biological father, Lisa funnels all her energy into her career, leaving little room for personal connections.
Her world is interrupted one morning when she receives a massive, anonymous delivery of stunning roses. The sender is Lewis Farrell (Christian Slater), a former high-pressure professional who abandoned the corporate rat race to become a florist after the tragic death of his wife.
Lewis, who spotted Lisa crying in her apartment window from the street, felt a soul-deep compulsion to bring a moment of beauty into her life.
As he begins to court her with more flowers and late-night walks through the city’s flower markets, Lisa’s defenses begin to crumble.
Their blossoming relationship is supported and occasionally scrutinized by Lisa’s best friend and colleague, Kim (Pamela Adlon), and her concerned friend Danny (Josh Brolin).
However, the romance faces a significant hurdle: Lisa’s deep-seated fear of abandonment and her struggle to accept a love that asks for nothing in return.
As Lewis patiently tries to prove that his devotion is rooted in sincerity rather than a fleeting whim, Lisa must decide if she is brave enough to step out from behind her desk and embrace the messy, unpredictable beauty of a life shared with someone else.
Ally Walker, Gina Torres (Suits) and Debra Monk round out the cast.
Mary Stuart Masterson and Christian Slater in Bed of Roses (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Bed of Roses
Bed of Roses grossed $6.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Mr. Holland’s Opus, which earned $8.3 million on its second weekend.
The film would gross $27 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Bed of Roses two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The legacy of Bed of Roses is its enduring status as a “comfort movie” for those who appreciate traditional, heartfelt storytelling and for the sensitive chemistry between Slater and Masterson, marking a departure for Slater from the rebellious, edgy roles that defined his early career.
The film is celebrated for its exquisite cinematography and its focus on the artistry of floral arrangement, which added a tactile, sensory layer to the romantic genre.
The movie is also noted for its soundtrack, particularly the song “Independent Love Song,” which became synonymous with the film’s yearning tone.
