Thursday, January 27, 2011

RABBIT HOLE

Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest
Sandra Oh, Miles Teller


"Love will get you through"



This film is adapted from a Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire. It features a married couple who are dealing with a shocking, sudden loss. Just 8 months ago, Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart)lost their 4 year old son in a tragic accident.

Now as they try to glue back their shattered lives, they are caught in a murky maze of memory, longing, guilt, recrimination, sarcasm and rage that is trapping their existence. We are shown the different coping mechanisms that Becca and Howie adapt either individually or as a couple to deal with their pain.

The film is an understated, neatly written drama that is deeply moving in its slow exploration of human behavior. It is also a very realistic portrayal of an ordinary couple who are dealing with an anguished grief that no one can even imagine to begin to understand, let alone experience and endure.

It is no wonder that Nicole Kidman is once again nominated for best actress. Luminous as ever, devoid of any make up and not resorting to hysterics, she manifests her grief, brilliantly. Her characterization of a stoic Becca was a subtle yet powerful performance. Aaron Ackhart, as expected was solid and steady in his role.

I like how the film ends with a question mark. When Becca asked Howie "And then what?" His answer signified there is some hope yet at the same time the question is not really answered. The vagueness though clearly told us the audience that Becca and Howie will eventually be alright, no matter how long it takes as long as they faced the future, together.

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