Ordinary People

Ordinary People (1980)

Director: Robert Redford
Cast: Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch

Based on the novel by Judith Guest, "Ordinary People" is the story of a family torn apart by tragedy. Robert Redford's methodical direction and Alvin Sargent's skillful adaptation give the film a real life quality, allowing the audience to connect with the characters in a profound way. Suicide and family disputes are not often successfully executed subjects in movies, however this film avoids the typical pitfalls and cliches with it's careful attention to pacing. The beginning of the film shows the parents (Sutherland and Moore) trying to maintain a normal existence after the death of their eldest son and the suicide attempt of their youngest son, Conrad (brillantly played by Hutton). The film goes on to show the degeneration of the family when their feelings finally boil to the surface. Powerful performances and direction make "Ordinary People" an intelligent and moving film.