35 Facts About The Movie Ordinary People

Academy Award-Winning Drama

The movie “Ordinary People” is an Academy Award-winning drama that was released in Directed by Robert Redford, it stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton.

Adapted from a Novel

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The screenplay was written by Alvin Sargent.

A Family’s Emotional Journey

“Ordinary People” tells the story of the Jarrett family as they navigate through the aftermath of a tragic accident and cope with grief, guilt, and strained relationships.

Timothy Hutton’s Breakthrough Performance

Timothy Hutton won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Conrad Jarrett, marking his breakthrough performance in the film.

Groundbreaking Portrayal of Mental Health

The movie is known for its sensitive and groundbreaking portrayal of mental health issues, specifically examining the effects of trauma and depression on individuals and their families.

Exploration of Survivor’s Guilt

“Ordinary People” delves into the concept of survivor’s guilt, as Conrad struggles with feelings of responsibility for his brother’s death and his own survival.

Realistic Family Dynamics

The film realistically portrays the strained dynamics within a family, highlighting the complexities of communication and the challenges of rebuilding relationships.

Mary Tyler Moore’s Powerful Performance

Mary Tyler Moore delivers a powerful performance as Calvin’s (Donald Sutherland) wife, Beth. Her portrayal of a distant and emotionally detached mother earned her critical acclaim.

Impactful Soundtrack

The movie features a memorable soundtrack composed by Marvin Hamlisch, which adds depth and emotion to the story.

Intimate Cinematography

The cinematography in “Ordinary People” captures the emotional intensity of the story, using close-ups and subtle camera movements to heighten the audience’s connection to the characters.

Box Office Success

Despite its heavy subject matter, “Ordinary People” was a commercial success, grossing over $54 million worldwide.

Multiple Nominations

The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Polaroid Pictures as a Symbol

The recurring use of Polaroid pictures throughout the film serves as a symbolic representation of the family’s desire to capture and preserve happy memories.

Critical Acclaim

“Ordinary People” received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling, strong performances, and realistic depiction of familial struggles.

Impact on Mental Health Awareness

The movie had a significant impact on mental health awareness, helping to destigmatize conversations around therapy, grief, and personal growth.

Resonates with Audiences

Decades after its release, “Ordinary People” continues to resonate with audiences, as it tackles universal themes of loss, healing, and the complexities of human relationships.

Protagonist’s Journey to Self-Discovery

The film follows Conrad’s journey as he seeks therapy and embarks on a path of self-discovery and healing.

Exploration of Parent-Child Relationship

Through the strained relationship between Conrad and his parents, “Ordinary People” explores the complexities and challenges of the parent-child dynamic.

Emotional Rollercoaster

The movie takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, eliciting empathy, sadness, and hope as the characters confront their internal struggles.

Timeless Themes

The themes addressed in “Ordinary People,” such as grief, guilt, and the search for emotional healing, resonate with viewers across different generations.

Reflecting Real Life

The film’s portrayal of family dysfunction and the impact of tragedy reflects the struggles that many individuals and families face in real life.

Directorial Debut

“Ordinary People” marked Robert Redford’s directorial debut, showcasing his talent for storytelling and creating an immersive cinematic experience.

Books and Movies

The success of “Ordinary People” both as a book and a movie exemplifies how stories can be effectively adapted across different mediums.

Emotional Catharsis

The film offers a cathartic experience for viewers, providing an opportunity to explore their own emotions and reflect on their personal journeys.

A Study of Resilience

Through Conrad’s character arc, the movie teaches the audience about resilience, growth, and the transformative power of therapy.

Authentic Dialogue

The film’s dialogue is crafted to feel authentic and natural, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ experiences and emotions.

Exploration of Teenage Angst

Conrad’s character represents the struggles and complexities of teenage angst, offering a relatable perspective for viewers.

Tackling Taboo Topics

“Ordinary People” fearlessly tackles taboo topics such as suicide, depression, and mental health, opening up important conversations and raising awareness.

Memorable Performances

In addition to Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland delivers a memorable performance as Conrad’s supportive father, balancing strength and vulnerability.

An All-Star Cast

The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

A Story of Hope

Despite its heavy themes, “Ordinary People” ultimately delivers a message of hope, showcasing the power of love, forgiveness, and personal growth.

Subtle Symbolism

The film uses subtle symbolism, such as the changing of seasons, to reflect the characters’ emotional journey and signify new beginnings.

Impact on Filmmaking

“Ordinary People” had a significant impact on the landscape of filmmaking, influencing the portrayal of mental health and inspiring future filmmakers.

Enduring Legacy

The movie’s enduring legacy is evidenced by its inclusion in numerous lists of the greatest films of all time.

The Power of Ordinary Stories

“Ordinary People” serves as a reminder of the power of ordinary stories, showcasing that even seemingly mundane situations can hold deep emotional resonance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ordinary People is a remarkable and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and the process of healing. Through its powerful storytelling, superb acting, and sensitive direction by Robert Redford, this movie offers a profound examination of the human experience. It explores themes of guilt, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of tragedy.

The film received critical acclaim and garnered several awards including four Academy Awards, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. Ordinary People continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the importance of communication, empathy, and understanding in navigating life’s challenges.

If you haven’t watched Ordinary People yet, it is definitely a film worth adding to your must-see list. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster and an immersive cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impact.

FAQs

Q: Who directed the movie Ordinary People?

A: Ordinary People was directed by Robert Redford.

Q: When was Ordinary People released?

A: Ordinary People was released in 1980.

Q: What is the storyline of Ordinary People?

A: Ordinary People follows the story of the Jarrett family, who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a tragic boating accident that takes the life of their older son Buck. The film explores the strained relationships and emotional turmoil within the family as they try to come to terms with their loss and navigate through their grief.

Q: Who are the main actors in Ordinary People?

A: The main actors in Ordinary People are Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton.

Q: Did Ordinary People receive any awards?

A: Yes, Ordinary People received several awards including four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Timothy Hutton), and Best Adapted Screenplay.