Have you ever had that one family member who was evasive and somewhat cold? That one family member you didn't know was like that until you sat down and thought about it? Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind closed doors? This movie explores that question exquisitely and tragically.
Ordinary People was released in 1980 and is still relevant in family themes and the dichotomy and breakdown of the family unit. However, this isn't just one of those sappy, Lifetime-esque movies - this movie is like being stabbed in the gut with a frigid blade. You take this wealthy family, add in the death of a child, the suicidal sibling, a mother who cannot love her "other son", and a father trying to keep this all together.
The movie stars Donald Sutherland (Hello! You better know this guy) , Mary Tyler Moore (sweet, little Moore from The Dick Van Dyke Show and, ahem, The Mary Tyler Moore Show from the 60's), Judd Hirsch (from that old 70's show Taxi), and Timothy Hutton (in his first movie in which he won an Oscar for!) who are all AMAZING in their roles - true, solid acting. But for those reading and going "who the hell are they?" - rest assure, you will be blown away. Sutherland plays the overly-caring father, Moore slides into this against-type role extraordinarily as the cold mother, Hirsch playing the kind-hearted but stern therapist, and Hutton playing the depressed son who you just seriously want to hug.
Sutherland, Moore, and Hutton play this quiet family who are grieving over the death of the oldest brother who drowned, while being accompanied by his brother, Conrad (Hutton). Conrad blames himself for his brother's death and suffers from depression and even attempted suicide. Moore plays Beth - the elitist mother who neglects Conrad (which is heartbreaking to see) but dammit, she plays it so well. I rarely call movies "perfect" but this movie is damn near close.
Keep in mind, this movie is from '80 and is definitely not in the mindset of the Facebook age of today - so get out there and WATCH THIS MOVIE. It's eloquently intense but never being melodramatic. The classics should never be overlooked. Definitely a new entry in my favorite films of all time.
