In the Bedroom Review
by Robin Clifford (robin AT reelingreviews DOT com)January 2nd, 2002
"In the Bedroom"
The Fowlers of Camden, Maine are, on the surface, a normal well-adjusted family. Matt (Tom Wilkinson) is a well-liked local and town doctor. Ruth (Sissy Spacek) is a choral music teacher and an import from New York. Even with their busy professional lives the couple always has time to dote on their son, Frank (Nick Stahl), a young man headed for graduate school, working as a lobsterman to make his expenses and, much to his mom's chagrin, involved with an older single mom, Natalie (Marisa Tomei). The nice, routine life of the Fowler family takes a sudden, tragic turn when Natalie's not-quite-ex-husband Richie Strout (William Mapother) decides he wants his wife and kids back in Todd Field's debut feature film, "In the Bedroom."
Helmer Field has crossed over from in front of the camera ("Eyes Wide Shut") to behind in an accomplished work that, thanks greatly to the outstanding cast involved, has the assured look and feel of a more mature directing hand. Field and Rob Festinger adapt a story by the late Andre Dubus that is a study of a marriage that is falling apart. The Fowler couple doesn't know it but their raison d'etre is based entirely on their love for their good-hearted, eminently likable son, Frank. Mom would do anything for her son and is overtly concerned about his relationship with Natalie. Dad treasures the times when he can play hooky from his busy practice and spend time helping Frank with his lobster fishing.
When Richie, the scion of a local businessman who employs many of the town's folk, comes back into Natalie's life, his intent is to win her and the kids back. But, the violent nature of Richie, especially when compared to the sweet, gentle demeanor of Frank, is the reason his wife left him and, as we know, a leopard, especially a spoiled one like Richie, can't change his spots. When he cannot win back his woman, Richie's old pattern of violence and abuse returns and Frank tries to stop him from hurting Natalie or her kids. The result is deadly.
All of this takes place well before the halfway mark and, then, the story of a marriage falling apart kicks in. Neither the Fowlers nor we are aware of the scope of the loss of their beloved son or what it means to their lives. It is soon apparent that their marriage was based almost entirely around Frank, from infancy to budding adulthood. But, Ruth never let go of her little boy and she blames Matt for his tragic death. Matt is overwhelmed by his own loss and slowly, inexorably forced to a path of revenge. In the end, there are no winners.
First and foremost, the draw to see "In the Bedroom" is the superb acting by the principles. Tom Wilkinson is a powerhouse as the conflicted father who must come to grips not only with the tragic murder of his son; he must re-establish his relationship with his wife, Ruth, but, is it too late for them? Both parents have doted on Frank and the young man became the lynchpin of their marriage. Now, with the loss, neither parent can cope and they have grown so far apart, without knowing it, that they are not prepared to help each other. Wilkinson, from his doctorly composure to his educated Maine accent, gives one of the best performances of the year as Matt Fowler.
Sissy Spacek is chilling as the mom who suffers her loss more with anger and revenge in mind than with sorrow. She doesn't want justice for her son's murder, she wants revenge and Matt is the one who must fulfill her wish. Any warmth that Ruth displays early in the film is soon cast aside with Frank's demise. It becomes obvious that her cold demeanor is her real self and her matter of fact reaction to later events give you a glimpse of the monster that lives beneath the mother's surface. Spacek's is not a likable character and, contrary to her usual kindly type, and is all the more boffo for it.
Marisa Tomei is convincing as the object of Frank's affection and the target for Richie's abuse. Unfortunately, her Maine accent is terrible and distracting, keeping her perf somewhat at arm's length, but she does well as the protective mom who really loves Frank, despite the age difference. Nick Stahl is first rate down the line and, in spite of his early departure from the film, makes an indelible mark on your mind. William Mapother does a superb job of fleshing Richie into more than just a bad guy. William Wise is quietly effective as Matt's best friend who will do anything for his old buddy.
Techs are good, though not great. I got a tremendous charge watching the characters as they travel about the Maine locations of Rockland and Camden, places I have known for years. But, this is an actors' flick and they are the reason we come to see "In the Bedroom."
I give it a B+
For more Reeling reviews visit www.reelingreviews.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
