Movie spotlight
Ordinary People
Far right and anti-immigration politics have been on the rise worldwide. In Australia, as in many other western countries, as Ordinary People was filming, a new political force began drawing on the discontent of those who felt excluded from the promised benefits of globalisation. This revealing documentary follows One Nation candidate Colene Hughes over two years and two elections as her idealistic fervour slowly turns to disillusionment. Initially for Colene and her supporters, One Nation seems to offer true democracy and a way of knocking the country back into shape. But when Colene starts to question the control of party leaders, the gloves come off and, at the party’s annual general meeting, the two forces collide.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy, affluent family struggles to cope with the death of their eldest son and the subsequent attempted suicide of the younger son. The film delves into the aftermath of tragedy, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of family relationships as the survivors attempt to find their way back to normalcy.
Critical Reception
Ordinary People was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sensitive direction, powerful performances, and raw emotional honesty. It is often cited as a landmark film in the exploration of family trauma and mental health.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and unflinching portrayal of grief and family dysfunction.
Robert Redford's directorial debut is a masterful examination of the emotional toll of tragedy.
Features outstanding performances, especially from Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently praise the film's emotional depth and relatable characters, with many highlighting the powerful acting and the film's realistic depiction of a family grappling with loss and mental health struggles.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Redford), Best Supporting Actor (Timothy Hutton), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for Best Actor (Donald Sutherland) and Best Supporting Actress (Mary Tyler Moore).
Fun Fact
Robert Redford's directorial debut, 'Ordinary People,' surprised many critics and audiences by winning the Best Picture Oscar over films like 'Raging Bull.'
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