BANDERAS, GRIFFITH A NOT-SO-`CRAZY' PAIRING AFTER ALL.

Byline: Glenn Whipp Film Critic

On the face of it, ``Crazy in Alabama'' looks like a vanity project on the order of ``Ishtar'' and ``Hudson Hawk,'' only less expensive.

Antonio Banderas directs wife Melanie Griffith in a period piece for Columbia Pictures, the studio that wants Banderas to don a black mask again for a ``Zorro'' sequel. Banderas has never directed, and the movie's Southern setting would seem a bit of a reach for him. Factor in Griffith's recent spotty track record, and you've got a sure-fire stinker, right?

Wrong. It turns out Banderas has a pretty good eye, both for American mores and for framing a movie. ``Crazy in Alabama'' isn't a monumental film by any means, but it's a winning work of small charms and praise-worthy performances, including another fine turn from young actor Lucas Black (``Sling Bade'').

Set in the summer of 1965, the movie interweaves two stories revolving around the issue of freedom.

First there's Lucille (Griffith), a glamorous Southern belle who murders her abusive husband so she can go to Hollywood (with her spouse's head in a Tupperware container) and become a TV star.

Back home in backwoods Alabama, Lucille's nephew, Peejoe (Black), confronts racial prejudice personified in the form of a bigoted sheriff (singer-actor Meat Loaf Aday).

Lucille's radical act seems to inspire various family members, including her brother, Dove (David Morse), a mortuary owner who has spent his life conforming to his town's intolerant practices. ``That's just the way things are,'' Dove tells Peejoe when the boy asks about segregation.

Soon, however, both Dove and Peejoe must decide if such unmindful acceptance comes with a heavy price.

Adapting his own lauded novel for the screen, Mark Childress achieves a fairly successful blend of social history, biting humor and Southern Gothic seasonings.

Banderas isn't always successful in moving between the parallel plotlines (we often want to stay with the Griffith story), but he shows some promise - when not resorting to film school tricks. (Go easy on the slow motion next time, Antonio.)

The film sputters a bit at the end, dragged down by a standard-issue courtroom scene. ``Crazy'' goes a little far, too, in excusing murder in the name of personal freedom and a TV career. (Latest film trend: bad husband killings.)

It's also difficult to buy Griffith as a mother of seven - her relationship with that brood never seems remotely believable because the script rarely bothers much with the young'uns.

But then, ``Crazy in Alabama'' does manage to get some things right. So, as vanity goes, it's pretty fair.

THE FACTS

The film: ``Crazy in Alabama'' (PG-13; some violence, thematic material, language and a scene of sensuality).

The stars: Melanie Griffith, Lucas Black, David Morse, Meat Loaf Aday.

Behind the scenes: Directed by Antonio Banderas. Screenplay by Mark Childress, based on his novel. Released by Columbia Pictures.

Running time: One hour, 48 minutes.

Playing: Citywide.

Our rating: Two and one half stars.