MovieChat Forums > In the Bedroom (2002) Discussion > An Acting Masterpiece

An Acting Masterpiece

posted 9 years ago by satan-stole-the-muffins
7 replies | jump to latest

This movie should be required viewing for anyone wanting to be an actor or studying acting. Wilkinson, Spacek and Tomei all should go down in history as giving three of the greatest performances ever. Its so rare that actors embrace this level of nuance and subtlety in film. Wilkinson and Spacek could not say a single word in this film, and you'd still know everything that they were thinking. They are truly heartbreaking, and their performances in the final 15 minutes are chilling.

But to me, the film belongs to Marissa Tomei. With very little screen time, she left the biggest impression on me. There is one moment in the film, maybe three seconds long, that is genuinely one of the most realistic moments of acting on screen- her short scream as shes coming down the stairs as Richard shoots Frank sends chills down my spine everytime.

All three should have won every award out there. Stunning, stunning work.

I like pigs. Dogs look up to you, cats down on you. Pigs treat you as equals.

[–] fanaticita 9 years ago

I agree with you especially about Wilkinson and Spacek. Tomei was excellent as well, but Wilkinson and Spacek made me realize what great acting means. And, yes, the last 10 or 15 minutes of the film took me by surprise, but it probably was inevitable. Knowing what one would do in such tragic circumstances is difficult to know with any certainty. They made their choice, and while we'll never know the outcome. . . . .

[–] SueDeeNim 9 years ago

I expect nothing less from Spacek and Wilkinson. I was not disapppointed.

[–] Stirchley 8 years ago

I loved the scene when Natalie came to apologize to Spacek, who doesn't say one word, but turns around & hits Natalie in the face. And that was a real slap!

[–] buttercup_ash 8 years ago

Spacek and Wilkinson are so good at their craft. What they convey in the silences is extraordinary.

[–] rudeboymurray (3241) 4 years ago

Nick Stahl, too - I thought he was excellent here and it's a shame it has never really led to a major career.

[–] samoanjoes (50951) 4 years ago

Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek. What's not to love?

[–] yatzo376 (7449) 4 years ago

Agreed
I’ve watched this movie at least five times- fantastic performances by all