Kim Meyers

White Palace -- Max Baron (James Spader) is a successful St. Louis advertising executive who's been in mourning since the death of his young wife. A chance late-night encounter introduces him to Nora Baker (Susan Sarandon), and unexpectedly turns his life upside-down.

A depressed widower sparks a deeply sensual romance with an older, lower-class waitress.

This movie equivalent of a romance novel sees uptight yuppie Max (James Spader) become involved with older, blue-collar waitress Nora (Susan Sarandon). They meet by chance, fall into bed on a whim, then try to make their improbable relationship work in the outside world. Many recognizable faces -- including Jason Alexander and Kathy Bates -- add to the fun. Luis Mandoki directs.

Max Baron (James Spader) is a successful St. Louis advertising executive who's been in mourning since the death of his young wife. A chance late-night encounter introduces him to Nora Baker (Susan Sarandon), and unexpectedly turns his life upside-down.

Max Baron (James Spader) is a successful St. Louis advertising executive who's been in mourning since the death of his young wife. A chance late-night encounter introduces him to Nora Baker (Susan Sarandon), and unexpectedly turns his life upside-down.