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Ordinary People (1980)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 3/06, 2/14

Opeo
3/06: I wanted to see Ordinary People to find out how it managed to win Best Picture of 1980 over Raging Bull.

Surprisingly, I ended up liking it a lot although I remain unconvinced. Ordinary People is an engrossing, absorbing film, thanks to the outstanding performances by Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton.

The story is carefully constructed by removing the layers in order to get close to the core of the family conflict. Finally, the explosive ending, although predictable and wishful, happens which is satisfying. Well-done is the direction by Robert Redford. He's deliberate in showing the general picture of the family and works his way through the specifics on the psychological level.

All in all, I've enjoyed watching Ordinary People, if not thoroughly, but more in an appreciative way.

2/14: In many ways, Ordinary People is a made-for-TV picture with a theme of the week: Rich People's Problems.

It's not compelling enough for me to care. I've had a hard time swallowing the fact that Donald Sutherland's character didn't see the dysfunction sooner than later after being together with his wife for over two decades. The true villain of the show is the mother who's perfectly played by Mary Tyler Moore. It's so apparent from the get-go that she's the scourge of the family, making it hard for the son to accept what had happened and move on.

I was waiting for the acknowledgment from everybody about the situation, and it finally came which was much too late. So, Mary Tyler Moore does a wonderful job, alternating between being clubbable with her friends and relatives and showing detachment toward her son. Around Conrad, it's almost as if she hadn't met him before which is painful to watch. The only thing I'm surprised is the film beat out Raging Bull for Best Picture. It's a bit too much.

All in all, Ordinary People is somewhat overrated, but I've enjoyed Donald Sutherland's performance and Robert Redford's direction.