Watch Eliza's Horoscope

Eliza's Horoscope is a 1975 film directed by Gordon Sheppard and written by Sheppard and Elizabeth Moorman, who also stars in the film. The movie tells the story of Eliza, a young woman who has just returned to her hometown of Houston, Texas, after completing her studies at Harvard. Eliza, along with many of her friends, is in search of love and success.

As the name suggests, astrology plays a significant role in the storyline. Eliza is fascinated by astrology and believes her horoscope can reveal her future. She consults astrologer David (Tommy Lee Jones), who claims to have accurately predicted events in her life. David becomes a confidant and romantic interest for Eliza, though his advice and other-worldly perspective sometimes leads her astray.

The supporting cast includes a range of characters who act as a mirror to Eliza's own journey. Rose Quong, who leads the Chinese Theater Works in New York, plays Iris, a wise and mystical friend of Eliza who offers insight into Eastern philosophy. Additionally, there is Caroline, Eliza's self-absorbed friend who is always in pursuit of a wealthy husband, and Virgil, a man who is seeking spiritual enlightenment.

The film explores themes of love, spirituality, and personal growth. Eliza grapples with her conflicting desires for success and fulfillment, trying to find a balance between the two. She is also searching for a sense of identity in a world where there are many paths to follow. David, meanwhile, challenges Eliza to expand her view of the world and to consider the role of fate in her life.

The film is set against the backdrop of Houston in the 1970s, a place where traditional Southern values mix with a growing interest in counterculture. The city serves as a character itself, with its bustling energy, sweltering heat, and sprawling neighborhoods. The movie features several iconic Houston landmarks, including the Astrodome, the River Oaks Theater, and the skyscrapers that make up the downtown skyline.

One of the most striking aspects of Eliza's Horoscope is its indie feel. It was made on a shoestring budget and with a largely unknown cast. The improvisational quality of the film adds to its charm, with many scenes feeling raw and unpolished. The movie's naturalistic approach to storytelling is refreshing, especially when compared to the slick productions that dominate Hollywood.

Eliza's Horoscope is a time-capsule of a film, offering a glimpse of life in the 1970s through the eyes of an intelligent and charismatic young woman. The movie's themes are timeless, however, and are still relevant today. The search for meaning, the pursuit of love, and the balancing of success and satisfaction are universal challenges that continue to face us all.

In conclusion, Eliza's Horoscope is a small but ambitious film that leaves a lasting impact. Moorman's performance as Eliza is charming and engaging, and the supporting cast adds depth and nuance to the story. The film's use of astrology as a metaphor for personal growth is compelling, and the movie's overall message is one of hope and optimism. Whether you believe in astrology or not, Eliza's Horoscope is a film that will leave you thinking about your own journey and your place in the cosmos.