The Door in the Floor
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Movie Reviews of The Door in the Floor
Movie Review: Thoughtful Meditation on Loss
Summary: 5 Stars
After the loss of both their sons, Ted and Marion Cole's marriage is falling apart. They communicate mostly through Eddie, the Exeter student Ted has hired to be his writing assistant. Their daughter, Ruth, conceived after the boys' deaths, is as nearly obsessed with the deceased boys as Marion. Ruth spends much of her time recounting anecdotes about them while looking at their photographs, which line both sides of the hallway in their house. It is Ruth's growing obsession that no doubt leads Marion to leave marriage and motherhood in an attempt to protect Ruth: "I don't want her [Ruth]to be like me."
The title is named for the children's book of the same name that Ted has authored. The children's story is a fable which portrays Ted and Marion's loss and causes us to question whether the joys in life are worth the pain that happens with their inevitable end. The "door" is like the gates of Eden. Once we pass through, we are no longer innocent. We know the pain of life.
Kim Basinger is brilliant as the afflicted mother, but it is Jeff Bridges' portrayal of Ted Cole that steals the show. He manages to make Ted, a truly despicable character, into a man we can sympathize with, even love. His final act is unexpected and unspeakably poignant. This film joins the handful of films that I truly love.
Movie Review: Wouldn't you want to open...The Door In The Floor?
Summary: 5 Stars
Quite simply, this is one of the best films of 2004, and it's a shame that great movies like this (and Garden State) were not recognized by neither the Golden Globes or the Oscars.
The Door In The Floor is a harrowing drama starring Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger. It follows the life of Ted (Bridges), a children's book writer, and Marion (Basinger) his wife. After a happy marriage, Ted and Marion has ever since drifted apart after their two sons Thomas and Timothy died. Now, living with a daughter named Ruby, Ted works on his new book. As Ted hires an assistant, to give him some experience, things get complicated as the assistant falls for Marion. And, as you can imagine, things get pretty sticky from there on.
It is hard for a film to borrow the best elements of such classics as American Beauty and The Graduate, and not fail miserably (see We Don't Live Here Anymore), but The Door In The Floor not just pulls it off, it does it with such a flare, it seems as if it's rubbing it in your face.
Brilliant writing, brilliant directing, and brilliant, and more-than-Oscar-worthy performances by Jeff Bridges (you love him and hate him all at the same time), and Kim Basinger.
Reccomended.
Movie Review: Excellent movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great movie on so many levels. It is a glimpse at the frailty of humanity. It's funny, some of the reviewers who were disgusted by this movie, seem to think we humans are always perfect (or should always be perfect). Well sorry to burst their bubble, we aren't. And there was also quite a few reviews that complained about the nudity. There was no gratuitous nudity. In other words, there was no nudity just for the sake of nudity. The nudity in the movie had a purpose and needed to be in the movie. So you can ignore the reviews from the moral superiorist who think they own the world and should censor movies to their standards. This is an art house movie with a lot of meaning lurking under the surface. It's not a movie that will appeal to the average movie goer because the average movie goer isn't sophisticated enough to understand a movie like this. I don't say that to be insulting. My theory is, if the shoe fits, so be it. This movie will appeal to a small audience that understands and appreciates deep conflicted works of art. And that's what I consider this. Open the door in the floor and you will be pleasantly surprised!Movie Review: Makes you want to read the book(if you haven't already)
Summary: 5 Stars
Favorable reviews, and being a huge John Irving fan led me to see this movie. Usually, everyone recommends reading the book first, then seeing the movie, but in this case you will only be encouraged to read the book to see what happens in the characters' futures. I loved this movie, I thought Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger both did such an exceptional job, but it's really great acting and obviously directing all around. I am certainly not an expert, not even a movie buff, but I loved the way this movie made you think about and feel for these characters. There is a very poignant moment that is not in the book when Ted and Marion touch each other's hands for the last time; just before she leaves him. I liked the way the relationship between Ruth and her father is portrayed. It is more of a sentimental story,but Irving fans will be a bit more sensitized to some of the material. I am currently reading the book, which is MOST excellent, and I keep thinking about the movie as well,as it gave me a good base.( FYI-I did not really like the Garp movie, except for John Lithgow.This is totally different).Movie Review: Doing It Doggishly
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's a prime example of Hollywood head games. This award worthy film was purposefully released way before the traditional Autumn/Winter award season, just to ensure it didn't get the recognition it deserved. Whom was deserving you might ask? Let's start with Jeff Bridges. His subtle, yet arrogant children's author was an astounding performance that should not be missed by fans of messed up family dramas.
I remember in particular a very genuine push for this film from the folks at Entertainment Weekly (EW), and although more often than not I find myself disagreeing with much of the content of that magazine in this case they were dead on.
What about the script? The adaptation of John Irving's novel (and apparently only a portion of it) deserved some recognition.
Certainly Tod Williams' direction was admirable enough to garner some praise.
Alas, come award time this film was overlooked. Unfortunately, many great films are. If you're a fan of movies like In the Bedroom or The Sweet Hereafter check out The Door in the Floor.