When I first heard the title "In The Bedroom" I thought to myself "hm sounds like an independent porn film" I then noticed how many great reviews it was getting from some of the top reviewers. I often enjoy independent films and find it a shame that they don't get played at my local cinema. I live near one of the biggest malls in the country, Crossgates, which has 2 cinemas in it (hoyts cinemans 18 and cinema 12) Unfortunately, they always just seem to play the mainstream stuff. Lord of the Rings takes about 6 screens so there is never any room for the independent films. Its unfortunate because many people miss alot. Therefore, I decided to take a drive downtown to check it out at an old cinema that plays more independent films.

It was such a pleasure then to take the time to go see this film because it turned out to be one of the best I have seen this year. This was a film that lacked any type of special effects and even the action was minimal. Yet it is the power of the performances that brought you in. All the actors here have a good shot at being nominated for an oscar. Especially Marisa Tomei and Nick Stahl who plays Tomei's boyfriend in the film.

I will not say much about what happens in the film because the plot is actually so simple, if I talk at all about it, it would be giving the film away. The basic plot is about a family whose only son (Nick stahl) is dating a married woman (Marisa Tomei) 10 years older than he is. It starts with their romance and how their situation and further events complicates the lives of the people around them. The plot is simple because this is a film built on characterization. In most films you know the plot in the first 5 minutes of the film or even before going to watch it because of the previews. Here the movie first builds on the characters. You get to know each one very well before you even find out what the plot of the film is. This therefore makes the film stronger because the characters are not trying to force themselves into the plot but instead are building the plot themselves.

While the story was very simple, it still seemed complex. On one hand, I had an idea of what was going to happen yet I always found myself wondering what will happen. It wasnt as obvious as I thought it would be. First time director Todd Field did a tremendous job on keeping the feel of the movie upbeat and original even with a simple plot with very little action. He has been mostly an actor in his life playing parts in eyes wide shut and twister and I am sure he most of all will be recognized with an oscar nomination. This film is something worth watching.


Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age