Penetrating character study of a couple who has suffered the accidental death of their 4 year old son. In events and conversations, we grasp the depth of their loss gradually, layer by layer as they reveal their innermost thoughts. Some explicitly, but some, even more heartbreakingly, implicitly by their actions. The brilliance of the story is in its ability to perfectly capture their extreme hurt through the commonplace trivialities in their everyday life. At first glance, this is a deceptively simple movie. To describe their day to day goings on might seem uneventful, but the direction the plot takes is never predictable. It becomes one of the saddest, most affecting portraits of despair on film. Nicole Kidman, hasn’t been this memorable since The Hours. She’s devastating as Becca Corbett, a wife, whose rather cold exterior hides the pain felt so deeply within. The genius of her performance is that we feel not anger from her inability to show love toward her husband, but compassion. The agony builds to the breaking point in one crucial moment. It’s fascinating to consider the reasons for her sobbing breakdown. Her grief has layered interpretations. She’s matched by Aaron Eckhart as her husband. Once again he proves why he is one of the most underrated actors working today. The way he chastises his wife for behavior he cannot understand, masterfully displays the subtle shadings of both hurt and outrage. Profoundly depicts what it would be like to lose a child. While it’s difficult to say I enjoyed the experience, its honest depiction of such deep sorrow, must be applauded. Overwhelming emotion can be a catharsis. Must cry now.
Menu
6 Responses
Do you know why people aren’t seing Rabbit Hole? It’s not getting the buzz it deserves and it’s a damn good movie.
It hasn’t gotten a very wide distribution for some reason. I had to travel kind of far to see it. It’s funny because the critics were picking what films they thought would be nominated for Best Picture and rarely heard this film included. Still early. Maybe it’s a slow starter.
Saw this in an almost full (if small) theater in Downtown Portland this weekend upon its opening – had a chance to watch it streaming online a month ago but decided to wait and see it theatrically first – will rewatch online. A terrific film, even if I feel it’s John Cameron Mitchell’s most straight-forward and “mainstream” to date (after the brilliance of HEDWIG and SHORTBUS) – He’s a director to watch…still…
The “mainstream-ness” speaks highly of John Cameron Mitchell. Given his films, I wouldn’t have guessed he could direct a movie like this. He obviously has the talent to direct a wide range of genres. Definitely a director to watch.
I cried twice after the movie was over. That’s how brilliant it was. Nicole Kidman was my hero in this movie. She was so real and believable in this role. The supporting actors were also great, but Nicole did it for me. I saw every moment of hidden pain in her face, and felt her emotions, that’s rare. Great Acting job Nicole!
Reminded me why she is a star. Nicole Kidman is back!