Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 1, 1994                   TAG: 9411110004
SECTION: SPECTATOR                    PAGE: 13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MARK DAWIDZIAK KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ACTRESS HAS DEALT WITH THE REALITY OF ANOREXIA

Having survived a harrowing struggle with anorexia nervosa, Gold understands what it is to be obsessed with every calorie and every ounce. She understands the eating disorder that causes its victims to become so conscious of losing weight that they'll literally starve themselves to death.

This understanding imbues her performance with a reality that becomes the most riveting aspect of ``For the Love of Nancy,'' a fact-based TV movie ABC will premiere Sunday (at 9 p.m. on WSET-Channel 13).

Consider a scene in which Gold must walk through a crowded restaurant. She's surrounded by people enjoying good company and good food.

Gold's face must reflect fear and revulsion. Yet, at the same time, there must be an element of envy for these people who can take the enjoyment of food so completely for granted.

It's quite an acting exercise, and Gold reaches deep into her own suffering to silently convey all of those emotions.

No question: Even though she is not playing herself, Gold is to be commended for a portrayal textured by tortured experience. It's a brave performance. More to the dramatic point, however, it's honest.

Still, despite Gold's willingness to stretch raw nerves in the name of public awareness, the script and Paul M. Schneider's direction rarely match the film's worthy intentions. Often slow and plodding, ``For the Love of Nancy'' is trapped in the disease-of-the-week mentality that dooms so many TV movies.

With Gold delivering some agonizing and terrifying moments, you'd think that the writers and director would be digging for an approach every bit as brave and honest as their star's contributions. Instead, the script by Carol Evan McKeand and Nigel McKeand falls back on formula.

Hey, this is the type of writing that gave rise to the unflattering disease-of-the-week designation. While doctors may rely on tried-and-true treatments, television shouldn't be afraid of experimenting with more daring procedures when examining medical dramas.

Gold plays Nancy Walsh, a seemingly happy and healthy high school senior. We first encounter Nancy jogging through the upscale neighborhood where she lives with her loving parents (Jill Clayburgh and William Devane) and brothers (Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Cameron Bancroft).

But change, particularly to a teen-ager who craves order and control, can trigger anorexia nervosa. Chatting with friends after her senior prom, Nancy hints at this deep fear of change.

``I think 18 is as good as things can get,'' she says. ``And what I'd like is for things to stay exactly the way they are right now - forever.''

She wants the happy, manageable conditions of her life frozen in time. Facing the uncertainties of life at college (new friends, new challenges, new surroundings), Nancy sinks deeper and deeper into the grips of anorexia. Food is the one thing she can control.

At first, she covers the compulsive behavior with little jokes. ``Trust me,'' she says, ``if I miss a meal, the world won't come to an end.'' As she withdraws from life, she resorts to lies and deceit.

Nancy needs help. The challenge to her family is that she's 18 and can't be forced into a treatment program.

OK, Clayburgh and Devane are going to compensate for the script's deficiencies. And at least the writers don't feel the need to explain every motive and relationship.

The real reason to watch ``For the Love of Nancy,'' though, is for the heart of Gold. She still can look alarmingly thin, but there's nothing else thin about her portrayal.