December 20–27, 2001

movie shorts

In the Bedroom

recommended

The directing debut of actor Todd Field (Eyes Wide Shut), In the Bedroom is, not surprisingly, full of actor-y goodness, with career-defining turns from both Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson (The Full Monty, not that you’d ever know he’s British here). But Field, who co-wrote the screenplay, adapted from Andre Dubus’ short story "Killings," brings an extraordinary calmness and patience to the tale. He’s doing more than capturing performances; he’s setting an intense, pervasive mood that is as much a character as any of the actors. Set in a small Maine town, much like the one where Field makes his home, Bedroom begins with familial discord — Spacek and Wilkinson’s prodigal son (Nick Stahl) has taken up with an older woman (Marisa Tomei) whose children and vindictive ex-boyfriend (William Mapother) don’t seem like the most promising company for their boy — and shifts to tragic aftermath. In truth, the film runs too long, and a trumped-up conclusion sours the delicate atmosphere Field’s worked so hard to create. But Wilkinson, especially, is stunning as a father consumed by his own impotence and guilt, and Spacek’s bitter, rotting-from-the-inside mother is not far behind.

—Sam Adams

(Ritz Five; Ritz 16)