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Volume CXXXIII, Number 15 |
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Movie Musings: In The Bedroom
MONICA GUZMAN
COLUMNIST
Sometimes the most enjoyable movie experiences come when you don't know
what you're getting into, when you let the movie and only the movie take
you in. What's stopping us from seeing every new movie like this, you
ask? Why, the trailers, of course. Those quick commercial thrill rides
that often have the annoying effect of spoiling the intrigue of the movie
they're trying to sell.
Every now and then, though, a film is released with few if any loud overtures.
These films are not nationally advertised; they remain mysterious until
you take the initiative and willingly put yourself in their grip. In
the Bedroom is one of those movies.
Luckily, it's playing at the Eveningstar Cinema-close enough even for
car-less first years. The student discount tickets, whose existence some
other theaters are completely ignorant of, made my good movie-going experience
even better, not to mention the fact that I got to sit in an armchair
almost as comfy as the sofa in front of the Language Media Center. Almost.
The film follows the life of a couple in Camden, Maine (Tom Wilkinson
and Sissy Spacek) and the romance of their college-age son (Nick Stahl)
to a much older woman (Marisa Tomei). About 40 minutes into the film,
a shocking event involving the woman's ex-husband catalyzes a change in
the characters that leads them to do things they never thought themselves
capable of. I can't tell you what the event is. You have to experience
it for yourself (genius points if you caught the Matrix reference).
This "dark drama," as I've often heard it called, is also a
chilling character study that shows us the darker side of ourselves. It
is especially fitting for us temporary Mainers because these people are
homely, hardworking, and superbly Maine-a mirror of our own community.
The film is director Todd Field's first feature (OMG!), which, as far
as debuts usually go, is impressive. The strictly observational cinematography
suggests a more mature filmmaker who's already played with the rules and
is secure with his own style. This guy's going places I can't wait to
follow him to.
The performances of both Wilkinson and Spacek were candid and inspired
(Spacek got the Golden Globe), and they even perfected the ever-ambiguous
Maine accent, a challenge in itself. Nothing their characters do is unbelievable
due to the honesty with which they are portrayed. We follow them along
without ever stopping to ask why-without ever doubting their fated path.
What they end up doing doesn't seem so wrong to us; we know as viewers
that it was inevitable.
I walked out of the Eveningstar somewhat changed by the film's sincere presentation of the sinister side of human nature. It's through these films that we're made aware of how fragile our own morality can be-how easily we compromise. Take the risk: plunge into the dark depths of this skillfully twisted small-town drama. It's unspoiled, unashamed, and waiting down the street to enlighten you.
For more of my reviews and other such nonsense, check out my website:
www.cinnamoninformatics.com/fantazmya