If anyone ever asks me my favourite movie my response is simple. It’s been a favourite for many many many years. In reality I probably need to rethink the answer, but my old fave is amazing enough – in my belief – to have stood up to the test of time.
Ordinary People was released in 1980 and directed by Robert Redford. It stars Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton and Judd Hirsch.
I can’t remember when I first saw it, but I remember falling in adoration with the young Timothy Hutton.
Over the years I’ve watched it on occasion and it never fails to reduce me to a blubbering mess. I’ve also read the book which – incidentally – I love. I recently talked about book adaptations and the academy award winning-movie is one which does the 1976 book by Judith Guest justice. Indeed it possibly even overachieves in that respect.
I recently introduced my mother to the movie. I’m n0t sure she was as enamoured as yours truly, but it was a chance to remind myself what I loved about it and I wasn’t disappointed. The acting is brilliant and it doesn’t tug at the heart strings, but yanks the bloody things right out.
It’s quiet, deliberate and incredibly poignant.
The movie opens with Conrad’s (Timothy Hutton) return to school. His over-solicitous father Calvin (Sutherland) hovers and his mother Beth (Tyler-Moore) bristles.
The opening scenes are very revealing. Conrad’s awkward; his father’s trying too hard; and his mother seems determinedly indifferent.
We soon discover that Conrad previously made an attempt on his life and has spent time in some sort of institution. His former school buddies are uncomfortable around him and he’s not enjoying things he previously loved. The only thing he finds solace in is choir practice. And that’s as much because of Jeannine (Elizabeth McGovern) as the actual music or singing I suspect.
As promised Conrad contacts a local therapist to continue with his treatment and Hirsch plays the chain-smoking straight-talking Dr Berger.
The movie is almost painfully slow but not plodding. The music, the performances and the script are stilting, awkward and uncertain. On purpose. The characters look uncomfortable. We feel uncomfortable. Conrad and his mother aren’t fighting but seem to be completely out of sync. Beth and Calvin’s relationship appears strong but there are cracks. She’s irritable and seemingly indifferent and he’s trying to return to normality. Calvin wants to talk about what’s happened to their family, Beth won’t.
We learn Beth wasn’t always like this; that her smiles once reached her eyes. She loved her first-born son Buck who recently died in a boating accident. One which Conrad survived.
We’re drawn into the family dynamics, watching its disintegration, while hoping for a happy ending. We try to sympathise and understand, but take sides nonetheless.
It wasn’t until I rewatched Ordinary People recently that I realised Pachelbel’s Canon features prominently. I know it’s a favourite for wedding marches, but it’s held a place in my heart because of this movie. The first time I consciously heard it I was walking past a group of violinists busking and completely taken aback. I had no idea what they were playing and didn’t understand why it was so familiar. And so poignant.
Strangely the movie never seems to appear on television and I recall the DVD being hard to find – but if you have the chance I suggest you read (and watch) this masterpiece.
PS. I also developed a bit of a crush on Donald Sutherland after watching this… one which has remained with me!
October 4, 2014
I don’t think I’ve ever seen it. I love the cast, so surprising really.
October 4, 2014
Yes, amazing cast. Three of the four main characters were nominated for Oscars and all four for Golden Globes I think.
October 4, 2014
I remember seeing that movie years ago and crying. It was so long ago though I can’t really remember it. Timothy Hutton was big in the day. Mary Tyler Moore was great in that movie too. I must get hold of the book.
October 4, 2014
Book’s great as well. It was Timothy Hutton’s debut apparently.
October 5, 2014
I haven’t seen the movie but I don’t think I’ll be searching it out in the near future. The subject matter’s a little too close and raw for me. Maybe a few years down the track.
October 5, 2014
Ah yes… xxxx
October 5, 2014
Never seen it but sou ds brilliant! I LOVE Pachelbel’s Cannon and I always wanted it to be my wedding song, which it was!
October 5, 2014
Ah yes, I later discovered it was a popular wedding song (would be mine too, but I’m unlikely to need it!) but it was good to finally realise where I would have first heard it (as a youngster!)
October 11, 2014
I loved this movie, too, and the novel is just as good. I haven’t seen it since I was a teenager. I should definitely revisit it soon.
October 11, 2014
Oh yes! It’s a little bleak or faded now but still lovely.