Movie spotlight
Ordinary Things (that happened in the childhood home of the maker of this film)
Somewhere between the 1930s and now, the cameras start turning and Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and Marlene Dietrich gather on one film set. The floor gleams, the spotlights are burning, the narration starts. Born out of a fascination for the construction that is Hollywood, and by extension ‘the perfect Hollywood home’, the maker embodies three actresses from Hollywood’s golden era and their so-called private lives. Their smallest personality traits are performed so precise and characteristically that it becomes artificial. The home isn’t homely. It plays “house” and the inhabitants are speaking Hollywoodian. In this setting, the maker of the film recalls memories of growing up in her childhood home.
Insights
Plot Summary
Anya Sharma's documentary, 'Ordinary Things', offers an intimate and poignant look into her own childhood home, exploring the quiet routines, unspoken emotions, and formative moments that shaped her. Through a blend of personal archival footage and reflective interviews, the film delves into the complexities of family dynamics, memory, and the profound impact of ordinary experiences. Sharma invites viewers to contemplate their own pasts and the universal truths found in the seemingly mundane.
Critical Reception
Critically acclaimed for its deeply personal and universally resonant portrayal of family life, 'Ordinary Things' has been praised for its sensitive direction and authentic storytelling. Reviewers have highlighted its ability to transform everyday moments into something profound, resonating with audiences who connect with its honest exploration of memory and belonging.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and relatable exploration of childhood and family.
Sharma masterfully turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
An honest and tender reflection on memory and belonging.
Google audience: Audience reviews consistently praise the film's authenticity and emotional depth, with many users finding it incredibly relatable to their own family experiences. Viewers appreciated the gentle pacing and the director's courage in sharing such personal reflections, often describing it as a 'beautiful' and 'heartwarming' watch.
Awards & Accolades
Sundance Film Festival: Audience Award for Best Documentary, Tribeca Film Festival: Best Documentary Feature
Fun Fact
The film was shot entirely within the director's actual childhood home over a period of five years, capturing subtle changes and the passage of time.
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