neumu [ cinematronic ]




	In The Bedroom
	Todd Field Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Marisa Tomei 2001		A powerful and sad drama about upright people devastated by an unexpected death. In a small town on the coast of Maine, Frank, a bright grad-student-to-be, is having a summertime love affair with Natalie, an older working-class woman who has two young children and an estranged, abusive husband. Frank's parents, a choir director and a doctor played respectively by Sissy Spacek ("Coal Miner's Daughter") and Tom Wilkinson ("The Full Monty"), are leery of their son's relationship, but they recognize that Natalie is a good person and try to be supportive. What they don't expect is a tragic event that will throw their comfortable lives into turmoil. Todd Field, a first-time director and the film's co-screenwriter, orchestrates the story with a sure hand. Equal kudos, though, should go to Spacek, Wilkinson and, as Natalie, Marisa Tomei ("What Women Want"). They were blessed with deep, rich characters that gave them the chance to do standout work — the sort that justifiably garners awards.