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By
NICK ZEGARAC
Based on the novel by Judith Guest, "Ordinary People" is the story of Conrad Jarrett (Timothy Hutton), a young man ridden with angst and a guilt complex after surviving a boating accident that claimed the life of his older brother, Buck. After attempting suicide, Conrad finds it difficult to exist in the shadow of his brother's memory. His mother, Beth (Mary Tyler-Moore) doesn't help matters with her aloof ignorance and unwillingness to accept Conrad for who he is. When Conrad's dad, Calvin (Donald Sutherland) recommends that he see a shrink (Judd Hirsch) Conrad is forced to come to terms with his own inner turmoil.
Director Robert Redford won an Oscar his first time out, creating a rich family drama with textured performances. The entire cast is outstanding. Mary Tyler Moore really shies away from her squeaky-clean television image. This is a profoundly moving experience.
Paramount Home Video has given us the movie in anamorphic widescreen. There is some pixelization, shimmering of fine details and edge enhancement present throughout, but nothing terribly distracting. Colors are balanced but slightly faded. Fine details are generally softly focused and film grain is present. The audio is distorted somewhat and not very engaging. Still, the performances manage to shine through, particularly Timothy Hutton's.
After much debate, no audio commentary track by Redford was included and no extras either, a genuine disappointment. |
