Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film directed by Robert Redford, based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The story follows the disintegration of a wealthy family in Lake Forest, Illinois, following the accidental death of one of their two sons and the attempted suicide of the other.
The film stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton. It received critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Redford. The film is praised for its realistic portrayal of the characters and their interactions, and the performances of the cast, particularly Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore.
Plot
Ordinary People” is a 1980 American drama film that follows the disintegration of a wealthy family in Lake Forest, Illinois, following the accidental death of one of their two sons and the attempted suicide of the other. The story revolves around the Jarrett family, particularly the surviving son Conrad, who is tormented by guilt after the death of his older brother and attempts suicide. The film explores the family's struggle to cope with the tragedy and the emotional aftermath, depicting their individual journeys of healing and self-discovery.
Cast
- Donald Sutherland as Calvin Jarrett
- Mary Tyler Moore as Beth Jarrett
- Judd Hirsch as Tyrone C. Berger
- Timothy Hutton as Conrad Jarrett
- M. Emmet Walsh as The Judge
- Dinah Manoff as Karen Allen
- James Sikking as Dr. Raymond Tuttle
- Quinn K. Redeker as Al Loomis
- Meg Mundy as Carol
- Adam Baldwin as Jock
Trailer
Director: Robert Redford
Writer: Judith Guest, Alvin Sargent
Box Office Gross: $54,766,923
Genre: Drama
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 19, 1980
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Themes & Reception
Ordinary People” explores themes of family dynamics, grief, guilt, and the emotional struggles of ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances. The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the characters and their interactions, as well as the strong performances of the cast, particularly Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Redford. It is considered a landmark film in American cinema, and its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences today.
Challenges Faced During Production
The film's production designer, Jack Fisk, faced the challenge of creating a realistic and emotionally resonant set that would reflect the emotional state of the characters.
He worked closely with director Robert Redford to create a visual style that would convey the film's themes and mood. The film's editor, Richard Marks, had to balance the intense emotions of the story with a subtle and nuanced approach to editing. He worked closely with Redford to create a pacing and rhythm that would allow the story to unfold in a natural and organic way.
Settings
Ordinary People” is set in Lake Forest, Illinois, a wealthy suburb of Chicago. The setting serves as the backdrop for the story of the affluent Jarrett family, and the film's visual style and cinematography capture the beauty and tranquility of the area. The setting also serves as a contrast to the emotional turmoil and conflict that the characters experience, highlighting the tension between the idyllic exterior and the inner turmoil of the characters.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The film uses a combination of natural lighting and soft focus to create a dreamy, introspective atmosphere that reflects the emotional state of the characters. The camera angles and shot composition are used to emphasize the emotional connections and tensions between the characters. The film's visual style is understated and subtle, allowing the story and characters to take center stage. The film's use of visual motifs, such as water and mirrors, adds depth and symbolism to the story and helps to convey the emotional journey of the characters.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Ordinary People” is based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The film marked the directorial debut of actor Robert Redford, who had previously starred in such films as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Redford. Timothy Hutton, who played the role of Conrad Jarrett, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, becoming the youngest actor to win the award at the age of 20. The film's success helped to launch the careers of many of its cast and crew, including Hutton, who went on to have a successful career in film and television.