Ordinary People
1980DramaDirected by Robert Redford
AI-generated for entertainment purposes only
Own & Stream
Synopsis
"Ordinary People," directed by Robert Redford and released in 1980, is a poignant drama that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the aftermath of tragedy. The film follows the Jarretts, a seemingly ordinary upper-middle-class family in suburban Illinois, as they try to cope with the loss of one of their sons in a boating accident. Donald Sutherland portrays the father, Calvin, who struggles to maintain peace within the family, while Mary Tyler Moore delivers a powerful performance as the emotionally distant mother, Beth. Timothy Hutton shines as the surviving son, Conrad, who grapples with survivor's guilt and emotional turmoil. As the Jarretts navigate their grief and attempt to rebuild their shattered lives, they must confront deep-seated issues and buried resentments that threaten to tear them apart. Judd Hirsch rounds out the cast as Dr. Berger, Conrad's psychiatrist, who helps him navigate his inner turmoil and come to terms with his emotions. Through nuanced performances and a gripping narrative, "Ordinary People" explores themes of loss, guilt, and the complexities of family dynamics with sensitivity and depth. The film received critical acclaim upon its release, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Redford.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
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TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict🏆
Must-Watch Masterpiece
🏆 A must-watch film that excels in all aspects of filmmaking. This cinematic achievement delivers an unforgettable experience.
Movie Details
- Release Year
- 1980
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Genre
- MPAA Rating
- U
Ratings & Box Office
- TML Score
- 81/100
- IMDb
- 7.7/10
- Metascore
- 86/100
- Box Office
- $54,800,000
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:What unique method did Timothy Hutton use to prepare for his role in Ordinary People?
A:
Timothy Hutton, in preparation for his emotionally charged role, underwent intense psychological preparation with actual therapists to genuinely capture the essence of his character's emotional struggles.
Q:How did Robert Redford's directing approach in Ordinary People influence the film's realistic portrayal of family dynamics?
A:
Robert Redford insisted on extensive rehearsals, using a technique that involved the main actors living together briefly to form genuine familial bonds, resulting in the authentic and nuanced family interactions seen on screen.
Q:Were there any significant deleted scenes from Ordinary People that altered the perception of the characters?
A:
Yes, there was a significant deleted scene where the character Beth confronts her grief more openly, which was removed to maintain the character's stoic and controlled demeanor, thus impacting the audience's perception of her throughout the film.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬During filming, the lake scenes were shot in the actual harsh winter of Lake Forest, Illinois, adding a genuine bleakness and discomfort that mirrored the emotional tone of the movie.
💡Ordinary People was Robert Redford's directorial debut, and he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Director, a rare feat for first-time directors.
🎯The high school depicted in the film is the actual alma mater of the author of the book on which the movie is based, Judith Guest, enhancing the authenticity of the setting.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
