The premise for IN THE BEDROOM is absolutely no different from umpteen bland TVMs I`ve seen . The producers are almost certainly aware of this so they`ve decided to make a slow , moody haunting film . There`s a great deal to admire in this descion but unfortunately this doesn`t lend itself to an engrossing entertaining film , but seeing as this movie wasn`t produced for mass entertainment in mind it shouldn`t be taken as a criticism
One very valid criticism that can be fired at IN THE BEDROOM is the editing which has a very jarring quality: Cut to fishing boat , cut to barbacue , cut to interior of house , cut to etc which I found very irritating while there`s a scene with Matt Fowler talking to his wife Ruth in the kitchen which cuts from Matt walking out of kitchen to bedroom where Ruth now lies in bed reading a book ! There`s basically nothing to indicate this is an entirely different scene . I also have a minor problem about the way Matt Fowler is written , he`s Doctor Matt Fowler but never comes across as being a white collar professional as he`s seen fishing out at sea , chopping wood and playing cards with blue collar types . I know America prides itself on being a classless society but Doctor Fowler comes across as too egaliterian
Despite this minor flaw in characterisation Tom Wilkinson gives an outstanding performance as Matt Fowler . If you don`t know this already let me point out Wilkinson is a Brit best known for his supporting role in the totally overrated THE FULL MONTY but he`s totally convincing as an American in this film and it`s great to see an actor play their role in such an understated way . The rest of the cast are equally good and everyone manages to communicate the grief their characters are going through.
I did criticise a point in the script earlier but - Despite being somewhat slow - the script is a good one devoid of melodramatic nonsense that could have so easily have infected it and contains nice little touches like when Matt sees the name " Strout " and gives a haunted look after being reminded of his grief . It`s something I can relate to when a simple word reminds me of loss . I guess everyone can relate to this too .
So IN THE BEDROOM is a good film , but it should be pointed out you`ll be disappointed if you watch it expecting a feel good movie
One very valid criticism that can be fired at IN THE BEDROOM is the editing which has a very jarring quality: Cut to fishing boat , cut to barbacue , cut to interior of house , cut to etc which I found very irritating while there`s a scene with Matt Fowler talking to his wife Ruth in the kitchen which cuts from Matt walking out of kitchen to bedroom where Ruth now lies in bed reading a book ! There`s basically nothing to indicate this is an entirely different scene . I also have a minor problem about the way Matt Fowler is written , he`s Doctor Matt Fowler but never comes across as being a white collar professional as he`s seen fishing out at sea , chopping wood and playing cards with blue collar types . I know America prides itself on being a classless society but Doctor Fowler comes across as too egaliterian
Despite this minor flaw in characterisation Tom Wilkinson gives an outstanding performance as Matt Fowler . If you don`t know this already let me point out Wilkinson is a Brit best known for his supporting role in the totally overrated THE FULL MONTY but he`s totally convincing as an American in this film and it`s great to see an actor play their role in such an understated way . The rest of the cast are equally good and everyone manages to communicate the grief their characters are going through.
I did criticise a point in the script earlier but - Despite being somewhat slow - the script is a good one devoid of melodramatic nonsense that could have so easily have infected it and contains nice little touches like when Matt sees the name " Strout " and gives a haunted look after being reminded of his grief . It`s something I can relate to when a simple word reminds me of loss . I guess everyone can relate to this too .
So IN THE BEDROOM is a good film , but it should be pointed out you`ll be disappointed if you watch it expecting a feel good movie