In the Bedroom

Todd Field directed the picture, which is based on Andre Dubus's 1979 short tale "Killings," for which he is also acknowledged in the end credits. Starring Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei, and others. The film is about Matt (Tom), a doctor in a small town, and his wife, Ruth (Sissy), a music teacher. Their son, Frank, a college-graduate and fisherman, falls in love with a local older woman who has two children and has separated from her abusive husband (Richard). Tom is doing his best as a parent to both encourage his son to continue his studies and understand his love for the woman (Marisa). Frank is shot dead one day by the woman's ex-husband, leaving Tom and Ruth devastated. Tom and Ruth lose trust in the legal system after Richard is granted bail, and the lawyer informs the parents that the accused would most likely face five to ten years in prison for unintentional manslaughter rather than murder. Tom, Sissy, and Marisa all have outstanding performances in the film. The film features a terrific dramatic tale that drifts into criminal narratives and stages where the affected are forced to figure out how to deal with such traumatic events.

This serious drama about a devastating tragedy that afflicts a Maine family is a brilliantly acted, intense, and somewhat soapy film about ordinary people in small town America. Fantastic.

Starts well, ends excellently but the middle hour of this story drags terribly. It is redeemed by an excellent final set. Not one I'll remember but a solid enough tale. Watched on DVD.

A fantastic debut for Fields, who is ably supported by his cast, in this drama dealing with grief and loss. One of 2001's best movies.

Whoa this was such a gem that I enjoyed for a second time. I don't remember hearing anything about this or theater previews but it is so compelling with excellent acting and storyline. 4.5 stars

a good cast, starts "in media res". My only "continuity" issue is why did he have no friends his own age?

I have no idea why they called this film "In The Bedroom," but I did like it, although it moves a little slow.

The best acting performances from Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek! With the best filmmaking debut ever from Todd Field and Robert Festinger!

Directed with unpredictability and intellectual gentleness, a wrenching powerhouse that deals with grief striking the inner depths of relationships onto the hurt surface, emotionally bringing out the finest performances at great attempts of touching relatability – if applies, particularly Wilkinson and Spacek's chemistry being their memorably definitive best. (B+)

In the bedroom is painfully realistic as it deals with the loss of a child to murder. Spacek as the angry/grieving mother is spot on. The scenes that depict the crime are chilling and Tomei plays the broken woman in the middle well.