In the Bedroom

In the moving modern tragedy In the Bedroom, the feature début by Todd Field, both elements of a psychological family drama and a thriller can be found. The story is gripping yet subtle; the strong cast ably assisted by the confident actors’ directing of Field, who himself spent many years in front of the camera provide an impressive performance. Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson shared the prize for best actor at the Sundance festival.Life is beautiful for Matt (Tom Wilkinson) and Ruth (Sissy Spacek), a couple from rural Maine. He is a doctor and she is a music teacher at the local school. They are affluent, well loved and enjoy respect in the village. Their only son Frank can look forward to a great future as architect and a loving relationship with Natalie, a rather older single mother. This idyll comes to a cruel end when Frank is murdered by Natalie’s ex. Matt and Ruth are torn by sorrow, but each has their own way of coping with it. Matt goes back to work quickly, but Ruth withdraws into herself and barely leaves the house. The way the parents come to terms with it is not aided by the fact that the murderer is released on bail. This gives plenty for the perfect marriage to cope with; old hurt and new recriminations come to the surface.