Ah, "Ordinary People." This film reveals the struggles of a family after loss. You may think, "Ordinary People? Sounds...ordinary." Yet, this 1980 drama, directed by Robert Redford, is anything but. It stays with you, like an awkward family dinner. Let’s explore what makes "Ordinary People" special.
1. Movie Overview and General Information
Is "Ordinary People" good? It's more than good; it's remarkable. One viewer said, "I watched it young. I found the story hard. Yet, I knew it was remarkable. Years later, its impact remains. That's the mark of greatness." This isn’t a popcorn flick; it makes you think long after watching.
What is the meaning of "Ordinary People"? It depicts how tragedy shakes a family. As noted, "The film starts with a family losing its son in an accident. Three still live at home in a perfect suburb. It details how they confront feelings about one another." Beneath the suburban image lies a fractured family.
The plot centers on the Jarrett family in idyllic suburbs. Briefly, "Conrad Jarrett (Timothy Hutton) feels guilt over his brother's death in a sailing accident and attempts suicide. After therapy, he returns home to reconnect with his emotionally detached mother (Mary Tyler Moore) and father (Donald Sutherland)." This is about navigating guilt and the need for connection.
Where did this drama unfold? "Ordinary People" wasn’t filmed in Hollywood. "It was shot on Chicago's North Shore in Lake Forest." This place provides the backdrop for suburban life that the film critiques. Lake Forest, with its quiet streets, adds to the story's depth.
The movie comes from literature. "The screenplay is based on Judith Guest's 1976 novel." Judith Guest's book laid the groundwork for family dysfunction, and Alvin Sargent adapted it masterfully for the screen, winning an Oscar.
Don’t mix this film up with another featuring similar names. Another "Ordinary People" is set in Manila. It follows two street children, Jane Ordinaryo (Hasmine Kilip) and Aries Ordinaryo (Ronwaldo Martin), and their baby, Arjan. This film tells a different story from the suburban American tale. Find the right "Ordinary People."
2. Awards and Nominations
At the 1981 Academy Awards, "Ordinary People" swept the board. The ordinary stories sometimes resonate the most. So, how many Oscars? The answer is four. As noted, "The drama won big at the Academy Awards, including best picture, best director for Robert Redford, best writing, and best supporting actor for Timothy Hutton." This win secured its place in film history.
"Ordinary People" won four of six Academy Award nominations. Reports confirm, "The film was nominated for six Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Hutton." The film stood out in major categories, showcasing excellence in every area.
Let’s list those awards. It won: "Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing, and Supporting Actor." It didn’t win everything but collected major awards: Best Picture, Best Director for Robert Redford, Best Writing for Alvin Sargent's Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Hutton.
As host Johnny Carson said, "The show went on." "Ordinary People" outshone its competition like "Coal Miner's Daughter," "The Elephant Man," and others for Best Picture. It was a triumph over giants.
Let’s give credit. "The film won Best Picture at the Oscars. Redford took home best director." This first-time effort by Robert Redford wasn’t just well-received; it won Oscars in its debut. He proved his talents extended beyond acting.
Donald Sutherland played Calvin Jarrett, but he did not receive an Oscar nomination for this role. On nomination lists, you'll notice his name isn’t there despite his strong performance. He delivered an emotional depth that deserved recognition.
Mary Tyler Moore gave a chilling performance as Beth Jarrett. She did receive a nomination for Best Actress. As stated, "Her notable film work includes 1967's Thoroughly Modern Millie and 1980's Ordinary People." Moore's performance of Beth was strikingly different from her TV roles and showed her acting range, worthy of an Oscar nod.
Finally, there’s Timothy Hutton. At just 20 years old, he snagged the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for troubled Conrad Jarrett. His portrayal of angst and vulnerability was impactful. His win marked a significant moment in Academy history. It's noted that "Timothy Hutton won the Academy Award for..."
Best Supporting Actor for portraying Conrad in Ordinary People at only 20 years old. This shows the strength of raw performances that express deep emotional struggles.
About the Oscars, there are instances when actors declined the award. "Marlon Brando in 1973 rejected the Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather." His protest is known as one of the most famous. Others, like "Dudley Nichols and George C. Scott, also declined Oscars." These rare moments reveal the troubled relation between artists and awards, showing the power of protest at Hollywood’s highest honor.
3. Characters and Their Issues
Ordinary People serves as more than just a narrative. It is a deep character study of the Jarrett family. Conrad Jarrett is the teen caught in emotional chaos.
Conrad Jarrett:
Conrad’s not a typical teen. He struggles with severe mental health issues. Specifically, mental illness manifests as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. "Ordinary People depicts his recovery from a severe depressive episode after his brother's tragic death, which he feels guilty for." The film vividly captures the essence of Conrad's turmoil.
The film candidly portrays Conrad's distress. "Scenes show Conrad suffering from insomnia, loss of appetite, and anxiety, having just returned from a four-month hospital stay after his suicide attempt." These moments are not mere plot devices. They portray his pain and the reality of mental illness.
Conrad's symptoms could fit multiple diagnoses. Experts suggest, "He might have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, or Major Depressive Disorder, depending on specific symptoms." The complexity of his issues reflects overlapping mental health challenges. The film’s portrayal steers clear of simple diagnoses.
Research on Conrad reveals significant trauma. "Findings show Conrad exhibits symptoms from trauma outlined in diagnostic manuals: nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, isolation, and irritability." These symptoms sketch a portrait of a young man facing intense psychological wounds, heightening the stakes of his recovery journey.
Conrad's journey begins with tragedy: an attempted suicide leading to psychiatric care. As noted earlier, "Conrad’s struggle with insomnia, lost appetite, and heightened anxiety shows how deeply he was affected after his four-month hospitalization for suicide attempts." This tragic event lays the groundwork for the film’s narrative and Conrad’s healing path.
A weighty sense of guilt burdens Conrad over Buck's death. "Ordinary People tracks Conrad's painful journey after his brother's death, believing he could have prevented it." This guilt magnifies his emotional challenges, impacting his interactions and contributing to his distress. It's a haunting reminder of family tragedy.
Conrad's bond with his mother, Beth, is steeped in distance. "He perceives blame from her, played by Mary Tyler Moore, who idolized Buck and seems to favor him." This dynamic fuels family dysfunction. Conrad feels her absence and an ongoing comparison to his deceased brother, deepening his isolation.
In contrast, Conrad enjoys a more supportive yet strained relationship with his father, Calvin. "In the film's conclusion, Beth's inability to face her issues leads her to leave the family." Her departure exposes Calvin's struggle to support Conrad amid these complexities. "The novel ends more positively: Calvin and Conrad take steps toward openness. They foster healing while acknowledging Beth’s complicated love." This discrepancy in endings shows different family dynamics but highlights a hopeful change in Calvin and Conrad’s bond.
A crucial part of Conrad's recovery is Dr. Berger, his psychiatrist. "Lake Forest High School has showcased spaces including Dr. Berger’s office, essential for unwrapping Jarrett family secrets." Berger’s office becomes a sanctuary for Conrad’s healing journey. As noted, "Ordinary People illustrates Conrad’s recovery with Dr. Berger guiding him through grief and guilt." Dr. Berger equips Conrad to face emotional pain directly.
A slight difference exists in Conrad's age between the film and novel. "In the film, Conrad Jarrett is only 16 years old and in high school." However, in the book, "His family dynamic is depicted with 18-year-old Conrad, younger than Buck who died a year and a half earlier." Also, "In Judith Guest’s novel, Conrad briefly celebrates his 18th birthday during the story." This difference in ages could subtly shift interpretations of Conrad's maturity and experiences.
Love enters Conrad's life through Jeannine Pratt. "Jeannine is a newcomer at Lake Forest who becomes Conrad's girlfriend. She too has faced personal trauma." Jeannine acts as more than a romantic partner; she shares paths of emotional recovery with him. Her presence aids his healing amid family turmoil.
Another tragedy strikes when Conrad hears of Karen's death. "Karen was a friend from the psychiatric hospital who commits suicide." Her death highlights mental health fragility and the reality of relapse. "Though Karen appeared to recover well, she ultimately took her life." This ordeal deeply affects Conrad, forcing him to reckon with his vulnerabilities. "Towards the novel's end, he learns of Karen’s suicide, which shatters him." It reminds him that recovery isn’t guaranteed or straightforward.
Beth Jarrett:
Beth Jarrett, played by Mary Tyler Moore, represents complexity and unease. Her characteristics exhibit emotional distance, control needs, and narcissistic hints. As analysis suggests, "Beth carries childhood trauma, homelessness, education struggles, and mental health issues such as bipolar disorder." Her cold demeanor may serve as a defense against her unaddressed wounds.
Beth reacts to hardship through suppression and control. "Her response to Conrad’s issues reflects her struggles with emotional vulnerability."
Hardship controls Beth's emotions tightly. She hides her feelings. She remains distant from Conrad. He calls her a "deeply personal person." This emotional repression defines her. It creates a wall between her and her family. Conrad needs emotional connection but can’t reach her.
Some see Beth as narcissistic. "Moore's Beth Jarrett: The Quintessential Narcissist Mother." She never visits Conrad in the hospital. She tells him and her husband that his depression is a shameful family issue. She can't empathize with his pain. She prioritizes family image over emotional health.
Beth's conflict with Conrad shapes the story. She resents him for his depression. "If your life is controlling your emotions, someone wanting you to be emotional feels like pressure." Her need for control clashes with his vulnerability. Conrad's struggle disrupts her ordered world.
Her lack of empathy shows in her response to his suicide attempt. Beth doesn’t visit Conrad in the hospital. This absence reveals her emotional limits. Her priorities are misplaced. Without maternal support, she shows her inability to connect.
Even small acts of connection feel cold. "Conrad hugs Beth awkwardly. She remains motionless and lowers her head to read." This scene shows their wide emotional gap. Her inability to engage exposes her emotional distance from him.
In the movie's climax, Beth chooses to leave. Her departure stems from her refusal to face her flaws. "Beth packs her bags. She leaves Cal due to his pity." She avoids confrontation and emotional complexities. Ultimately, she lacks courage to face her problems.
There's speculation about her mental health. Some suggest bipolar disorder. "Beth faces childhood trauma and issues with mental health." This adds depth to her behavior. Her detachment may arise from un-addressed struggles.
Calvin Jarrett:
Calvin Jarrett, played by Donald Sutherland, embodies quiet suffering. He may struggle with OCD, anxiety, and alcoholism. "His childhood shapes these disorders." He wishes to give his family a stable life, seeking control and stability due to his hurtful past.
His internal battles simmer beneath a desire for fatherhood. Calvin’s pain feels different. It expresses through control and potential escapism within the family.
Buck Jarrett:
Buck Jarrett's presence looms over the family despite his death. His boating accident begins the story. "Buck died in a boating incident." This triggers a wave of grief, guilt, and turmoil for them.
He is idealized, especially by Beth. "To make matters worse, Conrad senses blame from Beth." She idolizes Buck, leading to feelings of inadequacy in Conrad. Buck becomes a ghost, making Conrad feel insufficient and guilty.
4. Story and Themes
"Ordinary People" explores deep themes within a suburban family. The narrative appears simple yet holds rich emotional depth.
Its main story reveals the family’s breakdown after Buck's death. "The screenplay is based on Judith Guest’s novel." The film details how tragedy exposes existing family dynamics. It portrays grief's impact on their relationships.
Conrad's journey unfolds as a core theme. "Ordinary People traces Conrad's fight against depression after Buck’s death." The film captures his healing process and the struggles of grief and guilt. His therapy sessions guide this journey, showcasing recovery pathways.
Family dynamics are central to the story. "Three family members remain, forced to confront their feelings." The film highlights interpersonal tensions and lack of communication among them, isolating each despite shared space.
Guilt and grief emerge as major themes in the story. "Conrad’s guilt, Beth’s repression, and Calvin’s suffering intertwine." The film explores diverse aspects of grief and its corrosive effects on mental health and family bonds.
Ultimately, "Ordinary People" illustrates a family facing truths after loss. "The narrative begins with family loss post-accident." They confront hidden feelings, aiming for genuine connections amid tragedy. True healing appears when ordinary people embrace emotional honesty.
For further insights, check SparkNotes' summary of "Ordinary People" (https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/ordinarypeople/summary/). It provides a detailed overview of the characters and plot, enhancing film understanding.
5. Cast and Production
The cast of "Ordinary People" shines. Each actor contributes depth to their character. The production features intriguing elements.
Timothy Hutton's age during filming
Timothy Hutton's Oscar win stands out. "At 20 years old, he won an Academy Award for this movie." His youth brought authenticity to his role as a troubled teen. It's a highlight that "Hutton won for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Conrad in Ordinary People at age 20," making it more impressive.
Robert Redford directed "Ordinary People," marking a key moment in film history. "As Johnny Carson stated, the show went on, and the big winner was Ordinary People, defeating Coal Miner's Daughter, The Elephant Man, Raging Bull, and Tess for Best Picture." Redford's shift from actor to director was successful and acclaimed. "He began his directing career with Ordinary People (1980), adapted from Judith Guest’s novel. It won the best picture Oscar, and Redford won for best director." His vision crafted the film's intimate portrayal of family dynamics.
Lake Forest High School serves as a real filming location, enhancing authenticity. "Yeaji Kim uses the stage well, showing us the locker area, the Jarrett home, and Dr. Berger's office, who helps reveal the family's secrets." Shooting in an actual suburban high school grounds the story in reality, boosting its believability and emotional impact.
The New York Times review of the film, "'Ordinary People' - The New York Times: Best Pictures" (https://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/movies/bestpictures/people-re.html?mobile-app=true&theme=wiki), offers valuable insights. It provides a critical examination of the film regarding Best Picture winners, adding historical context.
6. Endings and Relationships
The endings of "Ordinary People," in both formats, along with Conrad’s changing relationships, are key to grasping the message.
Conrad's ties with Jeannine and Lazenby deepen in the novel's conclusion. "Jeannine Pratt, a new student at Lake Forest, ultimately becomes Conrad's girlfriend. Like him, she has a dark past." Jeannine offers a positive connection for him. "By the end of the novel, he relocates to Evanston with his family. The Epilogue shows him reconnecting with Lazenby." As previously stated, "The novel wraps up optimistically: Cal and Conrad embark on an open relationship. Conrad grows closer to Jeannine and Lazenby. He acknowledges Beth's love despite emotional detachment." These changes indicate broader healing for Conrad and reconnecting beyond his family.
Let's clarify a different "Conrad" linked to "Belly." This likely refers to different source material, such as "The Summer I Turned Pretty." It's noted that "Conrad, despite his love for Belly, encouraged her to be with Jeremiah, believing she was better off with his brother." Furthermore, "The second episode reveals that
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