DOOR IN THE FLOOR, THE
Released: July 14, 2004
Based the novel "A Widow For One Year" by John Irving, "The Door In The Floor" is a beautifully shot and acted film that deals with some realistic domestic darkness not usually seen at the multiplex. It's an adult film for adult audiences so it will not appeal to typical movie-goers. But, the darkness is not all that this film offers. There is some humor, though dark in context, splashed about here and there. The film succeeds not simply due to writer/director Tod Williams's cinema skills but also that he wisely chose actors of such a high calibre. Kim Basinger (looking absolutely RADIANT at age 50) and Jeff Bridges (excellent, as per usual) are a married couple on the downside of a terrible auto accident that killed their two sons. Bridges' character has retreated into writing children's books and painting with nude models. They have a young daughter (Elle Fanning, watch out Dakota - your younger sister can act too!) and a nanny (Bijou Phillips) but Bridges' character takes on a writer's assistant played by the very skilled Jon Foster. What happens next is both sad and realistic. If you're willing to try a movie that doesn't have big explosions or special effects (though there is a pretty amusing car chase to be found here) and makes you think, this is for you. If you prefer your movies without substance, there's always the new Will Ferrell movie...
111 Minutes
Focus Features