John Sayles, whose films are as eclectic as they can be ("Mate-wan," "Eight Men Out," "City of Hope"), tackles a familiar subject in "Passion Fish" — the embittered victim of an accident who would rather whine than work at overcoming her disability.

But unlike some other films on this subject, "Passion Fish" has the benefit of Sayles' smart dialogue, his eye for and attention to minor details and the riveting performances of two fine actresses, Mary McDonnell ("Dances With Wolves," "Grand Canyon") and Alfre Woodard ("Grand Canyon," "Cross Creek").

The film opens with May-Alice (McDonnell), a TV soap opera star, hearing her own voice on a television. She vaguely sees herself on the screen but isn't quite sure where she is. She soon comes to realize she's in a New York hospital, and that a run-in with a cab has taken away the use of her legs.

After half-hearted attempts at physical rehabilitation, May-Alice returns home to her huge, abandoned family home near the Louisiana bayous and sinks into an alcoholic oblivion. She alienates the nurses sent to her by an agency until she finally gets one, Chantelle (Woodard), who is so desperate for the job that she tolerates May-Alice's abuse. It seems she has demons of her own to purge.

As their relationship develops, the film takes on a somewhat predictable tone. They begin to feel a kinship with each other and find themselves drawn to rough-hewn local men of the kind they would not have looked at twice in their former, more sophisticated surroundings.

Despite this predictability, however, Sayles has a knack for creating full-bodied characters, especially female characters (something rare in modern movies), and then casting them with the best actors in the business. McDonnell is nominated for an Oscar as best actress for her role here, and she is certainly deserving. But Woodard is every bit her equal — and perhaps even surpasses her — in creating a shattered woman trying to rebuild two lives, her own and McDonnell's.

So, where's Woodard's Oscar nomination?

Like another 1992 film, "The Waterdance," "Passion Fish" manages to get under the characters' skin and lets the audience identify with them as they struggle to regain some sense of self-approval and dignity. And all of the background material, detailed observations about life on the bayou and supporting characters who are lively, funny and charming, are pure Sayles.

For those who may not be familiar with Sayles' work, this is a fine introduction. And fans will not be disappointed.

"Passion Fish" is rated R for considerable profanity and a few vulgar remarks. There is also some brief sex and nudity.