Ordinary People (1980) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.

Critical Acclaim

The 1980 release of Ordinary People marked a significant moment in American cinema, as critics praised its nuanced portrayal of a family's struggle with grief and mental health. Directed by Robert Redford in his directorial debut, the film was lauded for its sensitive handling of difficult themes, with particular emphasis on its character-driven narrative. Critics highlighted the powerful performances by Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton, with Hutton's portrayal of the troubled Conrad standing out as a major highlight.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded the film four stars, noting its "extraordinary perceptiveness" and calling it "one of the year's best films." The New York Times' Janet Maslin praised Redford's direction, stating he had "a keen eye for emotional detail." In the decades since its release, Ordinary People maintains an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating its continued resonance with audiences and critics alike. Modern evaluations frequently commend the film for its honest depiction of familial tension and mental health, topics that remain relevant.

Ordinary People not only achieved critical acclaim but also left a lasting impact on the film industry. It received four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and marked a pivotal moment in Robert Redford's career. The film's success paved the way for more intimate, character-focused dramas in Hollywood. It has been celebrated in retrospectives for its groundbreaking approach to serious subject matter, solidifying its place as a seminal work in American cinema.