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Actor Todd Field makes his directing debut with this somber, heart-wrenching drama about a middle-aged couple (Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson) whose lives are torn apart by an unspeakable tragedy. Based on a short story by Andre Dubus, In the Bedroom is deft in its use of visual metaphor and novelistic in its attention to detail as it carefully establishes Ruth and Matt Fowler's comfortable, happy world. Their rambling house in a quaint New England coastal town is straight out of Martha Stewart Living, and their only son, Frank (Nick Stahl), is a golden boy -- handsome, intelligent, and college bound. All that shadows the family’s sun-dappled existence is Mom’s concern about Frank’s relationship with his sexy girlfriend (Marisa Tomei), a working-class woman ten years his senior who is saddled with two kids and a jealous, abusive ex-husband. The violence that erupts from it, however, exceeds even her worst fears. What could have easily slipped into TV-movie sensationalism becomes a nuanced exploration of parental grief, thanks to pitch-perfect performances by Oscar nominees Spacek and Wilkinson. We watch as the Fowlers’ reserve slowly crumbles, releasing hidden wells of anger and pain that rise to a devastating emotional crescendo. A Sundance hit that was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress (Tomei), In the Bedroom tackles the grimmest of subject matter with grace and power. Kryssa Schemmerling

All Movie Guide

Character actor and noted photographer Todd Field made his directorial debut with this emotionally powerful drama, which earned enthusiastic reviews at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. Frank Fowler (Nick Stahl) is a handsome and amiable young man who has recently graduated from high school and is spending the summer working as a lobster fisherman before heading off to college in the fall. Frank is also involved with Natalie (Marisa Tomei), an attractive woman ten years his senior who is separated from her husband Richard (William Mapother), though their divorce has not yet been finalized. Frank's parents, Matt (Tom Wilkinson) and Ruth (Sissy Spacek) wonder if it's wise for their son to be pursuing a romance that he won't be able to continue in a few months; Matt trusts Frank and leaves him to make his own decisions, while Ruth quietly but firmly registers her objections. One day, Richard snaps, and breaks into Natalie's home; when he discovers Frank is there, he viciously kills him. The wheels of justice turn in an unexpected direction, and Richard is released on bail, free to go his own way as he awaits his trial. Matt and Ruth are both deeply traumatized by the event; while Matt tries to deal with his hurt by retreating into his work and avoiding his feelings, Ruth instead becomes increasingly withdrawn, losing interest in her job as a music teacher and spending her nights chain smoking in front of the television. In the Bedroom was adapted from the short story Killings by Andre Dubus. Mark Deming

Chicago Sun-Times

There are scenes as true as movies can make them, and even when the story develops thriller elements, they are redeemed, because the movie isn't about what happens, but about why. Roger Ebert

Los Angeles Times

With performances that will raise the hairs on the back of your head, it's a film that knows the private geography of love, grief and obsession. Kenneth Turan

Product Details

• UPC: 786936180817
• Source: MIRAMAX
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: Français, Español
• Time: 2:10:00
• Sales Rank: 30,181

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