I can remember watching Marisa Tomei in the sitcom, "A Different World" in the late '80s when I was in high school. At that time, no one would have suspected that she would have so many quality supporting film roles in her future.
Her turn with "In the Bedroom" is yet another feather she can stick in her cap, since her accent and emotional fluidity make her essential to the film. But that's where the good news stops.
"In the Bedroom" attempts to be another low budget gem from Miramax, but it turns out very disappointing. Frank (Nick Stahl) is a college student, home for the summer, who is seeing the not-yet-divorced Natalie (Tomei). The main plot of the film only gets 40 minutes in, when he ends up being murdered by Natalie's jealous husband Richard (William Mapother).
The movie is a story about how Frank's parents, Matt and Ruth (Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek) respond to the loss of their son. Ultimately, it is a portrait of how murder can mess up our lives. Gee, I had no idea. The themes revolving around the murder include what only could be expected: listlessness, bitterness, revenge and despair - not exactly a barrel of laughs.
The film's goal not only is to create a believable story about a catastrophic event in people's lives, but also to weave a powerful element of pathos into the process. The catastrophe happens, but the film never allows you to reconcile or understand the loss. Any subtle aspects to the plot, which might lead to an explanation or understanding, easily are missed and provide nothing to supplement viewers' perspective of the characters.
Recent critics of "In the Bedroom" have highlighted the spectacular cinematography and elegance of the film. However, while the setting, an idyllic coast town in Maine, is beautiful, it proves little more than irrelevant to the story.
After sitting in the theater, mindlessly staring at the screen for two-and-a-half-hours, I especially was struck by how slow the film was. And I have a high tolerance for slow movies. I guess I spent the first half of the film in despair, waiting for the brooding Spacek to explode. Once she finally did, there was nothing left to look forward to.
Spacek is getting much acclaim for her performance in this role, but I can't say that I understand why. She did well, to be fair, but the role was not substantive. If staring into space with a cigarette in your hand can get you a Golden Globe Award, then I would be happy to put on a wig and play her part.
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Wilkinson plays the shattered father fairly well, and Mapother is sufficiently creepy as Tomei's husband, but the characters, though realistic, do not have enough integrity to overcome adversity. Instead of offering hope towards the end of the movie, the characters just fall more and more into despair. I felt like I was watching people who always seem to do the opposite of what their psychologist tells them to.
As for objectionable material, there is cursing, adult language and brief (but grizzly) violence. There absolutely is no nudity. In fact, there is nothing to provide a reason for the title of the film, save a strange discussion about lobsters at the beginning while Frank works his summer job at the docks.
"In the Bedroom" tries hardest to reach couples between 40 and 60-year-olds (maybe even with college-age kids like Frank), but it failed miserably. Despite a picturesque setting and a heralded cast, I would hesitate to recommend it for anyone.
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