About Hope Floats (1998)

"Hope Floats" is a romantic drama film directed by Forest Whitaker. It is a tale about a woman named Birdee Calvert-Pruitt who is publicly humiliated on national television when her best friend reveals she's been having an affair with Birdee's husband. Devastated, Birdee moves back to her hometown in Texas with her young daughter Bernice to navigate through the predicament.

Making / Production

"Hope Floats" was produced by Lynda Obst Productions and was distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film was shot in Smithville, Texas.

Actors

• Sandra Bullock as Birdee Calvert-Pruitt - Bullock portrays a strong woman trying to rebuild her life after a public humiliation.
• Harry Connick Jr. as Justin Matisse - The local guy, who has cherished a long-time affection for Birdee.
• Gena Rowlands as Ramona Calvert - She plays the supportive and wise mother of Birdee.
• Mae Whitman as Bernice Pruitt - The young daughter of Birdee who struggles to accept her parents' divorce.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Hope Floats" was the first film produced by Sandra Bullock's production company, Fortis Films.
• Before shooting the film, Harry Connick Jr. worked as a cowboy to get into his character.

Awards

While the film did not win any major awards, it did get a nomination for 'Outstanding Achievement in Casting for a Feature Film – Comedy' from the Casting Society of America.

Quotes

• "Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up."
• "My dad used to say that life is pretty simple. You get up, you go to work, you eat three meals, you knit a little."

• "To Make You Feel My Love" - Garth Brooks
• "In Need" - Sheryl Crow
• "Honest I Do" - The Rolling Stones