STEVEN SODERBERGH
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBBB.
USA, 1993. Wildwood Enterprises, Bona Fide Productions. Screenplay by Steven Soderbergh, based on the memoir by A.E. Hotchner. Cinematography by Elliot Davis. Produced by Albert Berger, Barbara Maltby, Ron Yerxa. Music by Cliff Martinez. Production Design by Gary Frutkoff. Costume Design by Susan Lyall. Film Editing by Steven Soderbergh.
Subtle, beautifully-made Steven Soderbergh drama about two boys who lose their mother to a sanitorium and are being raised by their father (Jeroen Krabbé) in a seedy hotel room. The older of the two (Jesse Bradford) is the focal point of the film, a curious fellow who watches and observes all the interesting personalities living near and around him in the Depression-era establishment. When their father leaves them alone for long periods of time to do his travelling work, the boy has to manage everything for him and his brother, though for such a little guy it’s not always easy. Elizabeth McGovern has a marvelous supporting role as a nearby tenant.
The Criterion Collection: #698
Cannes Film Festival: In Competition
