|
| . |
|
In the Bedroom 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Todd Field
R, 136 min. (profanity, violence, mature themes) |
 |
Starring: Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Stahl, Marisa Tomei, Deborah Derecktor, Veronica Cartwright
Producers: Graham Leader, Ross Katz, Todd Field
Screenplay: Robert Festinger, Todd Field
Cinematography: Antonio Calvache
Distributor: Miramax Films
Released: 11.23.01 (Limited) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Every year there seems to be a film that leaves you completely speechless in the wake of its gut-wrenching performances and
heartbreaking storyline. Last year it was Requiem for a Dream, this year it's Todd Field's In the Bedroom.
Not surprisingly, it's being touted as the year's best film by numerous film critics, and is almost a shoe-in for several Oscar
nominations. Ever since it took film festivals by storm earlier this year, its release has been anxiously awaited by many
movie fans, especially those who prefer smaller, independent films. It does not disappoint. A powerful script, coupled with
astonishing performances and sharp directing, elevates In the Bedroom to another level, one that tells a simple story
of love, tragedy, and revenge in a very complex way.
At first, it seems the film will present a simple love story with some complications, but that doesn't begin to scratch the surface
of this monster. Matt and Ruth Fowler (Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek) are a middle-aged married couple that have reached
the point in their lives where they almost live through their son's, Frank (Nick Stahl), life. He is about to enroll in graduate
school, and is home for the summer. He is involved with an older woman, Natalie (Marisa Tomei), who has two children and
an abusive husband that no longer lives with them. Matt and Ruth are concerned about the relationship, but are confident their
son will make the right decision and leave for school. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen. After a shocking tragedy, Matt and
Ruth must confront their own built up emotions as well as each other, which eventually leads to an inevitable conclusion that
leaves the viewer shaken by the story's bleak honesty.
The film has stark contrasts between light, warm-hearted moments and shocking, dark-spirited acts that reveal some of the
best and worst of human nature. It also presents the viewer with an honest look at how they might react to similar circumstances
in their own life. It's hard to incriminate the characters' actions in the film because of the way the story has unfolded, and the
empathy that has been generated for them throughout the film. We can understand even the most vengeful act when presented
with a competent argument for that action. It's proof of the brilliant direction from Todd Field in, almost unbelievably, his debut effort.
In the Bedroom contains some of the best scenes of any film this year. In dealing with tragedy, even the simplest of chores
or conversations can trigger emotional breakdowns or even, at times, outbursts of anger. Observing Matt and Ruth with each
other, then with friends, and finally with themselves, you can see how it affects their every move. One scene involves
Ruth and a friend discussing a simple vacation trip to an amusement park. The friend discusses a "Fast-Track" pass that allows
one to bypass long lines to get on a ride faster. This brilliant illustration of distraction is amost always evident in similar
situations in every day life. Although the friend is stepping on eggshells around the painful subject matter at hand,
she eventually falters and reminds Ruth of the tragedy, resulting in an uneasiness that is actually felt in the theater as well -
this is powerful filmmaking. The same can be said of Matt, who is more stoic and restrained, only to relieve that emotion
in another tragic way.
The performances by Wilkinson and Spacek are nothing short of stunning. Both will undoubtedly be nominated for Best Actor
and Actress, and for good reason. Their relationship deteriorates before our very eyes - at first, they don't say a word to
each other, they live alone in their pain. Eventually, casual conversation ensues, only to lead to an explosion of emotion that
brings out years of frustration and unspoken anger in each other's faults, which leads to the healing process. Wilkinson is
seemingly strong, but with obvious grief about to overtake him at any time. Subtle reminders around him bring him ever
closer to this realization, which his wife ignites in him. Spacek copes with tragedy in a more overt manner - she's become
a couch potato, unwilling to force herself to re-enter day-to-day activities. Her pain is seen in several ways, but her bitterness
is threatening to destroy her, which Matt clearly identifies. Acting at this level is rare, but when you see it, it's a joy to watch.
Not to be outdone is Marisa Tomei, whose portrayal as a victim in the tragedy, along with her painful confrontation with Ruth,
is impressive. Tomei has had solid performances in the past, but this is probably the highlight of her career. In fact, it's
difficult for any actor in this film to give an average performance considering the subject matter and clear roles they have
to play.
In the Bedroom is a film that sneaks up on you, shakes you, and leaves you in near disbelief upon the end credits.
It's what happens when a director is bold enough to throw caution to the wind, brutally expose his characters, watch them
squirm in their roles, then manage to take the audience along for the ride. It's a film that is honest, reflective, powerful, and
arguably justified. Clearly one of the year's best films, it only needs a larger audience to give it the momentum it needs
to take home an Oscar for Best Picture, but, unfortunately, that probably won't happen. If you see only a few films this year,
make sure this is one of them.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
|
 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
|
