ALAN PARKER

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB.   USA, 1982.  Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, SLM Production Group.  Screenplay by Bo Goldman.  Cinematography by Michael Seresin.  Produced by Alan Marshall.  Production Design by Geoffrey Kirkland.  Costume Design by Kristi Zea.  Film Editing by Gerry Hambling.  Cannes Film Festival 1982.  Golden Globe Awards 1982.  New York Film Critics Awards 1982.  

Family troubles are at the centre of this moderately enjoyable drama that borrows liberally from similar films like Ordinary People. Albert Finney and Diane Keaton are terrific as a married couple on the skids; he’s having an affair, and she’s becoming more and more preoccupied with pursuing a career.  The things that drive them apart and keep bringing them back together are sad and harrowing, but this one is also missing the moments of genuine affection that made Redford’s film so challenging on various levels. Keaton excels, but Alan Parker’s direction fails to live up to expectations.