Rating of
3.5/4
Ordinary People review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/06/13
"Things happen. People don't always have answers." A realistic drama that involves various themes revolving the Jarrett family. Conrad (Timothy Hutton), an emotionally troubled student included in the swimming team, sees a psychiatrist named Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch). He informs Berger that he doesn't connect with his mom and recalls his experiences with his brother who passed away. Everybody seems to be worried about Conrad. Calvin (Donald Sutherland) tries to get close to his wife and son but recalls his other son.
The only slight misgiving this reviewer experiences were some of the long scenes that slows the pace of the picture. Performances from all around were great. The screenplay was exceptional with some memorable lines from the following characters: Swimming coach - "There is no point in it if you're not having fun." Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) - "It's the violation of our privacy." Karen - "This is the real world...Would you cheer up?" Conrad - "You don't see things." Calvin - "It won't hurt for you to listen." Beth - "I know I'm not perfect." Ordinary People tackle sensitive topics such as isolation, distant marriage, repressed feelings, not being able to let go the past and transformation. In the words of Conrad - "I'd like to try again." A mixture of darkness, intelligence and hope with touches of elegant direction.
