Marion Bridge
Film Movement
NEW YORK -- This Canadian dysfunctional family drama is the sort of earnest, thoughtful exercise that smacks far more of the stage than the screen. That's not surprising as screenwriter Daniel MacIvor's screenplay is adapted from his own theatrical effort. While boasting sensitive performances and generally believable dialogue, "Marion Bridge" ultimately suffers from a static, torpid quality that will inhibit theatrical returns. The film is being released in theaters in conjunction with its distribution on DVD to subscribers of the recently established Film Movement series.
Bearing more than a slight similarity to Chekhov, Wiebke von Carolsfeld's film details the emotional complications that ensue among three sisters, here being reunited at the deathbed of their hard-living, elderly mother (Marguerite McNeil). Newly sober Agnes (Molly Parker) has returned to her small hometown in Nova Scotia, where she is greeted suspiciously by her older sister Theresa (Rebecca Jenkins), whose husband has recently left her for a younger woman, and their sister Louise (Stacy Smith), a homebody who has retreated to a world of junk food and televised hockey.
It isn't long before the reunion has engendered a series of revelations and confrontations, which are exacerbated by Agnes' addictive behavior patterns and complicated relationship with a troubled 15-year-old girl (Ellen Page). As you might guess, Agnes also is still coping with the scars of past turmoil, including sexual abuse at the hands of the sisters' long-departed father.
While the situations and characterizations ring true, if a bit melodramatically, the film is so understated that little dramatic effect registers. It is best appreciated for its intimate moments of emotional truth and for the powerful performances, particularly Parker's complex turn as the troubled but well-meaning Agnes.
NEW YORK -- This Canadian dysfunctional family drama is the sort of earnest, thoughtful exercise that smacks far more of the stage than the screen. That's not surprising as screenwriter Daniel MacIvor's screenplay is adapted from his own theatrical effort. While boasting sensitive performances and generally believable dialogue, "Marion Bridge" ultimately suffers from a static, torpid quality that will inhibit theatrical returns. The film is being released in theaters in conjunction with its distribution on DVD to subscribers of the recently established Film Movement series.
Bearing more than a slight similarity to Chekhov, Wiebke von Carolsfeld's film details the emotional complications that ensue among three sisters, here being reunited at the deathbed of their hard-living, elderly mother (Marguerite McNeil). Newly sober Agnes (Molly Parker) has returned to her small hometown in Nova Scotia, where she is greeted suspiciously by her older sister Theresa (Rebecca Jenkins), whose husband has recently left her for a younger woman, and their sister Louise (Stacy Smith), a homebody who has retreated to a world of junk food and televised hockey.
It isn't long before the reunion has engendered a series of revelations and confrontations, which are exacerbated by Agnes' addictive behavior patterns and complicated relationship with a troubled 15-year-old girl (Ellen Page). As you might guess, Agnes also is still coping with the scars of past turmoil, including sexual abuse at the hands of the sisters' long-departed father.
While the situations and characterizations ring true, if a bit melodramatically, the film is so understated that little dramatic effect registers. It is best appreciated for its intimate moments of emotional truth and for the powerful performances, particularly Parker's complex turn as the troubled but well-meaning Agnes.
- 4/16/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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