This is a film that looks much better in the trailers than in actual viewing. Tod Williams would have been much wiser in letting someone else work on the adaptation of the novel. This film would have gained a lot with a little trimming.
The story at hand is one of regret and grief. Both parents have reacted differently to the tragedy in their lives. One can see how what happened made Ted and Marion so bitter that it helped to end their relationship.
As far as what I have read, everybody is praising Jeff Bridges for his portrait of Ted. But actually, Jeff Bridges has had a brilliant career in the many films he has graced with his appearances. He is one of the most natural and more down to earth individuals working in films these days. He doesn't have to impress us; he is this Ted on screen.
On the other hand, Kim Basinger's Marion, for some reason, doesn't come through as one would have loved her to be. Her beauty is her worst enemy. She is a woman that has such elegance that is difficult to classify her in any one category. In a way, we just can't believe that Marion would do what she does when she is in the catatonic state she is all the time.
Jon Foster, who plays Eddie, is at times dazed and confused by being next to the Coles. Elle Fanning's Ruth is a natural. Like her sister Dakota, this girl does everything right. At times, she appears older than she really is, and then she is the little girl whose life is in turmoil because all the adults around her need a lot of growing up to do.
Mr. Williams will do fine his next time out because he shows promise. We wish him well.
The story at hand is one of regret and grief. Both parents have reacted differently to the tragedy in their lives. One can see how what happened made Ted and Marion so bitter that it helped to end their relationship.
As far as what I have read, everybody is praising Jeff Bridges for his portrait of Ted. But actually, Jeff Bridges has had a brilliant career in the many films he has graced with his appearances. He is one of the most natural and more down to earth individuals working in films these days. He doesn't have to impress us; he is this Ted on screen.
On the other hand, Kim Basinger's Marion, for some reason, doesn't come through as one would have loved her to be. Her beauty is her worst enemy. She is a woman that has such elegance that is difficult to classify her in any one category. In a way, we just can't believe that Marion would do what she does when she is in the catatonic state she is all the time.
Jon Foster, who plays Eddie, is at times dazed and confused by being next to the Coles. Elle Fanning's Ruth is a natural. Like her sister Dakota, this girl does everything right. At times, she appears older than she really is, and then she is the little girl whose life is in turmoil because all the adults around her need a lot of growing up to do.
Mr. Williams will do fine his next time out because he shows promise. We wish him well.