Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film directed by Robert Redford and adapted from the 1976 novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The film tells the story of the Jarrett family, who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a tragic accident that claimed the life of their older son, Buck. The film follows the family as they try to come to terms with their grief and find a way to move forward, while also dealing with the complicated dynamics within their relationships.
One of the standout elements of Ordinary People is its nuanced portrayal of the Jarrett family. Each member of the family is struggling with their own demons and trying to find their way through the grief and trauma of the accident. The father, Calvin, played by Donald Sutherland, is a successful and distant businessman who has a difficult time expressing his emotions and connecting with his family. He feels responsible for the accident and is struggling to find a way to move on and find meaning in his life.
On the other hand, the mother, Beth, played by Mary Tyler Moore, is a more emotional and nurturing figure, but she also has her own issues to deal with. She is struggling with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the accident and is grappling with the loss of her son and the changes in her family dynamic.
The Jarrett's surviving son, Conrad, played by Timothy Hutton, is the central character of the film and the focus of much of the story. Conrad is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his brother and the guilt he feels over his role in the accident. He is also dealing with the added pressure of trying to live up to his father's expectations and fit into a new school after being hospitalised for a suicide attempt.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ordinary People is the way it handles the complex and often strained relationships within the Jarrett family. The film does a great job of depicting the challenges and tensions that can arise when family members are struggling to cope with a traumatic event. The film also does a good job of showing how each member of the family is dealing with their grief in their own way and how that can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Another standout element of Ordinary People is the performances of the cast. Hutton, Moore, and Sutherland all give standout performances, with Hutton in particular delivering a powerful and emotional portrayal of Conrad. The film also features strong supporting performances from Judd Hirsch and Elizabeth McGovern as the Jarrett's therapists, who provide a much-needed outside perspective on the family's struggles.
Overall, Ordinary People is a powerful and thought-provoking film that effectively tackles difficult themes like grief, guilt, and the challenges of coping with trauma. The film's strong performances and nuanced portrayal of the Jarrett family make it a must-see for fans of drama and character-driven storytelling.
