I watched this film again last night, having seen it many times before, and was once again bowled over by its subtle power. This is a film composed of powerfully quiet moments that culminate into a final scene as moving as I've ever seen.
This is a film that could have so easily fallen into made-for-TV type melodrama, but is written and acted with such subtlety that we do not feel manipulated in the least. Take for instance the scene in which we learn how Michael, the film's protagonist played by River Phoenix, learned to play piano with such skill. SPOILER AHEAD! I'll never forget the image of Christine Lahti's Annie joining her son in a quietly beautiful little duet in the school music room. Instead of an overblown emotional scene, Sidney Lumet and writer Naomi Foner, opt for a moment with no dialogue at all. So many scenes like this populate the film -scenes weighted by so much pain, so much regret, so many secrets, and so little noise.
To call this film a hidden treasure is a gross understatement. This is the most observant and moving film about a family I have ever seen. It is one of the great achievements in modern cinema.
This is a film that could have so easily fallen into made-for-TV type melodrama, but is written and acted with such subtlety that we do not feel manipulated in the least. Take for instance the scene in which we learn how Michael, the film's protagonist played by River Phoenix, learned to play piano with such skill. SPOILER AHEAD! I'll never forget the image of Christine Lahti's Annie joining her son in a quietly beautiful little duet in the school music room. Instead of an overblown emotional scene, Sidney Lumet and writer Naomi Foner, opt for a moment with no dialogue at all. So many scenes like this populate the film -scenes weighted by so much pain, so much regret, so many secrets, and so little noise.
To call this film a hidden treasure is a gross understatement. This is the most observant and moving film about a family I have ever seen. It is one of the great achievements in modern cinema.