MovieChat Forums > House of D (2005) Discussion > Big Disappointment

Big Disappointment

posted 18 years ago by mrobins3
46 replies | jump to latest

I generally liked this movie in comparison to many others, but it really was a big disappointment.

Absolutely by a longshot, the best acting and character development was that of the young man who played the adolescent protagonist; and the best dynamic in the movie was that between Bernadette and Tommy.

David Duchovny, Tea Leoni and Robin Williams really disappointed me; I thought Robin Williams' imitation of a mentally challenged person seemed to consist of a lot of silly facial tics like a puffy bottom lip, goofy expressions. Both Tea Leoni and David Duchovny seemed to resort to excessive cigarette smoking, perhaps for the purpose of adding gravitas where there was none.

There were several inconsistencies which I was unable to "suspend disbelief" for, notably the part where the priest in charge of the Catholic school tells the students that "due to separation of church and state" he must call Bible class by the name Ethics or something like that instead. The "separation of church and state" doctrine obviously doesn't prevent Catholic schools from teaching the bible.

Another thing I found so hard to believe that it spoiled the story for me was Tea Leoni being a NURSE, whose husband dies from cancer, yet who lights up a cigarette in every scene.

I found these type of inconsistencies to be more of an interruption than anything else, leading to my disappointment with this film.

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

Well i'm glad you at least enjoyed it somewhat. I didn't go in with any expectations, i was just hopeful:) Although i enjoyed it very much. I guess i just took it for what it was. And you'll be glad to know that Anton Yelchin did win a breakthrough award for his part in the film. I thought that he and Zelda Williams were wonderful. I'm also thinking that back in the 70's people smoked more then they do today. That said HoD was one of the few films that i really enjoyed in 2005.

[–] elvisthedj 18 years ago

Just a couple of comments:

I agree that David was a bit of a disappointment in front of the camera, but I thought the film was nicely directed.

For me, it's pretty easy to believe Robin Williams is retarded. I can almost hear him being coached... "You really don't need to be very different Mr. Williams, maybe just poke your lip out and make some funny faces."

Tea Leoni was a nurse, but her part was set in 73.. when smoking was cool (it still is pretty cool from where I sit). I'm 30 years old and can remember being about 4 yrs old (1979-80) and going to see the family doctor. He would smoke WHILE examining me... He always seemed to be smoking (and yes he's dead now) Even today, I'm sure there are nurses that smoke, so that's hardly a reason to say it makes the character unbelievable.

To me, a 13 yr old boy running away to Paris and starting a new life there is more of a stretch than a chain smoking nurse.

Overall, I thought the film was pretty good (about a 7/10) and I went in with no preconceived notions. The worst part of the film for me was the kinda weak ending (and HORRIBLE song).

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

<<<The worst part of the film for me was the kinda weak ending (and HORRIBLE song). >>

I really loved the ending. It made me feel good. I also loved the soundtrack to the film.

[–] Pseudo1980 18 years ago

I thought that Tommy would speak better french considering he'd supposedly been living there for all but 13 years of his life...

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

I wouldn't know. He sounded fine to me.

[–] hooplehead-1 18 years ago

ITA. Robin Williams was just too quick with the one-liners to be "challenged." And whatever they used to make his lower lip protrude made him look like he was channeling Walter Matthau in the stickball scene. Teo Leoni was wasted and the cigarette smoking was way off. The whole movie was way off - by a mile.

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

<<Teo Leoni was wasted and the cigarette smoking was way off. The whole movie was way off - by a mile.>>

I thought Tea was teriffic as well as Anton Yelchin. Good movie in MHO.

[–] jamestaglienti 18 years ago

Are you David Duchovny's mom or something? Dont you have anything bad to say about the movie at all?
I thought it sucked. It was promising but it seemed that while he was writing it, he totally gave up after the mothers death and wrapped it all up way too quickly. Such a long climb and build up with such an all-encompassing, feel-good, 10 minute finish is really lame. Revisiting the boner joke at the end was totally corny. The song at the end almost seemed like a joke. Saturday Night Live better not parody the end of that movie because they'd be hard pressed to find a cheesier song than that. I'd go as far as to say that it's impossible.

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

<<Are you David Duchovny's mom or something? Dont you have anything bad to say about the movie at all? >>

Then i guess that my husband is David Duchovny's dad since he liked it too. So did both my sons by the way. No, the film was far from perfect, but it was just as good or better then much of the crap out there that does well at the Box office. I enjoyed the heck out of it. So what is your problem?

[–] HollywoodGothic 18 years ago

With all due respect, and please don't take this the wrong way ... David Duchovny is a human being and is as flawed as the rest of us. Despite my intense admiration of his charisma, good looks, and underrated acting and comedic ability, I can see his faults. One can see an entertainer's faults and still be his or her fan. I consider myself a huge Duchovny fan, but I do question some of his decisions whether creative or personal. But from your posts that I have read -- and I admit I have not read them all -- you do not seem to admit he can ever do anything wrong. Also, do you have any OTHER interests? From what I can see, your main hobby seems to be posting on IMDB about him. Just my observation.

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

<<<With all due respect, and please don't take this the wrong way ... David Duchovny is a human being and is as flawed as the rest of us. Despite my intense admiration of his charisma, good looks, and underrated acting and comedic ability, I can see his faults. One can see an entertainer's faults and still be his or her fan. I consider myself a huge Duchovny fan, but I do question some of his decisions whether creative or personal. But from your posts that I have read -- and I admit I have not read them all -- you do not seem to admit he can ever do anything wrong>>>

Then you're right, you have not read all my posts. I've said more times then i'd like to count that i didn't love all his film choices. I hated Playing God and Full Frontal. I've however enjoyed most of his other films other then the very early independent films such as New Years Day and a few others. And yes, i enjoyed the hell out of House of D. What would you like me to admit to? Do we know what he has been offered? Maybe he took what he could get. He's not an A list star and so the great parts don't go his way. He has mentioned in many interviews that he takes a project because he wants to work with certain people. As far as his personal life, i'm not quite sure what the man is doing worng in your eyes. He seems to have a good marriage and from what we an see and hear he's a good dad to his kids. So in MHO his personal life seems to be going well. Just what personal things do you feel he has made the wrong decisions about?

<<I can see, your main hobby seems to be posting on IMDB about him. Just my observation.>>

It's one of my main hobbys:) My others are gardening, working out, and enjoying life. My kids are grown. I have chosen not to work for the time being, and so i have the time to do as i please. I also enjoy my friends and family. A pretty rounded life in MHO. There are many people that post just as much as i do. That said, i make no excuses. I just plain enjoy it:)

[–] nastydaddy1966 16 years ago

PippY ? if you ever come back to read this? in MHO ? I'm glad you enjoy posting on IMDB as a hobby, I am a movie FANATIC ? and peoople who use IMDB like yourself make my choosing of movies much easier as well as more enjoyable! and, there's nothing wrong with your"well rounded life" that i can think of.

In a thousand years, there will be no men and women, just wankers, and that's fine by me.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

PippY ? if you ever come back to read this? in MHO ? I'm glad you enjoy posting on IMDB as a hobby, I am a movie FANATIC ? and peoople who use IMDB like yourself make my choosing of movies much easier as well as more enjoyable! and, there's nothing wrong with your"well rounded life" that i can think of.

Thank you very much nastydaddy So, have you seen House of D? What did you think about it? If you saw it did you think that it deserved all those slams from the critics? While it wasn't a perfect movie, i still thought it was a very sweet film to watch and i enjoyed it immensely. I thought that Anton Yelchin was amazing.

[–] nastydaddy1966 16 years ago

I seen the movie right after it came out as a screener and found it to be excellent,2005 was a terrible year for "mainstream" movies and I felt this deserved more than a limited release.I live in Salt Lake City and it was only released in one theatre here,so it never really had a chance.On occasion though? I still throw it back in the dvd and enjoy it again.

In a thousand years, there will be no men and women, just wankers, and that's fine by me.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

I'm with you nastydaddy. I don't think it ever got a fair chance because the critics just hated it. But, i also have watched it many times. It did however find an audience on DVD.

[–] nastydaddy1966 16 years ago

Too Bad it wasn't a King Kong or Chronicles of Narnia (the two big box office hits) good or bad reviews, If a studio spends the money and gets it promoted? iIt will sell, I don't recall even one advertisement for this movie.Sad.Sad Sad

In a thousand years, there will be no men and women, just wankers, and that's fine by me.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

There was no push at all by Lions Gate. The whole driving force behind the film was David. The poor guy ran himself into the ground trying to make the public aware of the film. Doing personal appearances with Q and A's, to meet and great with fans. But that said, David always goes out of his way to promote any films he is in. Even when he has a very small part. His work ethic is amazing and to be respected. I'm sure he will run himself ragged for the new XF film too.

[–] goldygal12 18 years ago

how could u say that??...not only is my sister in this movie, but it was amazing!!...one of the best movie's i've ever seen!!...you need to watch it again and then rethink what your saying!!

[–] photoseller 18 years ago

I gave the movie a 7 of 10 and my complaints were described by others in this posting, but overall I liked the story and for the most part the acting, smoking is not and never has been cool, but in the early 70s it was very much a part of life, and a chain smoking nurse would not be unusual, the most unbeleivable part of the film was a 13 year old being able to run away to France (and stay) not gonna happen., but overlooking that I really did enjoy this movie.

“Do not fear death... only the unlived life.” - Natalie Babbitt

[–] Pippy-4 18 years ago

the most unbeleivable part of the film was a 13 year old being able to run away to France (and stay) not gonna happen., but overlooking that I really did enjoy this movie.

Yes, that was one thing i had a problem with too. But David did say that this film was an urban fairytale

[–] jessicabetando 17 years ago

I thought it was excellent. Shocked it didn't get more recognition. I guess Americans nowadays aren't up for sitting through a movie with no big bangs or car chases. Ah well.

[–] Pippy-4 17 years ago

I thought it was excellent. Shocked it didn't get more recognition. I guess Americans nowadays aren't up for sitting through a movie with no big bangs or car chases. Ah well.

Well, here is one American that loved the film. Wish there were more out there like it. I'd go to the movies much more often.

[–] Cinema_Sky 17 years ago

<<Another thing I found so hard to believe that it spoiled the story for me was Tea Leoni being a NURSE, whose husband dies from cancer, yet who lights up a cigarette in every scene.>>

My father is an RN, his mother died of cancer, and HE smoked for years...But don't mind me I actually liked the movie.

[–] larry-411 17 years ago

Try hanging around outside a hospital entrance sometime. The smoking area is filled with doctors and nurses.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] alanrobertguy 17 years ago

I saw the movie for the first time yesterday, While also I noticed some of the gaffs and inconsistencies mentioned above, this doesn't make or break a movie for me. A strong plot and convincing characters are the key ingredients. With exception of the younger actors, especially Anton Yelchin, the acting was hammed up beyond all belief.

As for the screenplay - I can quite believe that Duchovny wrote it "in 6 days" - it had without doubt some of the corniest lines, most unbelievable plots, and cheesiest endings I have seen on screen.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Pippy-4 17 years ago

As for the screenplay - I can quite believe that Duchovny wrote it "in 6 days" - it had without doubt some of the corniest lines, most unbelievable plots, and cheesiest endings I have seen on screen.

Boy it seems as though that line of 6 days has a life of its own. What David did say was that it had taken him months to lay it all out. Then it took him six days to put it down on paper. So the story idea really took him sometime. When you have your outline it does not take long to put it down on the page.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] PerfectDarkZeroFan 17 years ago

wow someone finally replyed to this board.

[–] Hollywood_Gothika 9 years ago

Wrote it in 6 days, with no revisions, obviously. Writing is rewriting.

[–] wookiee428 17 years ago

I Think the mother smoking was meant to be ironic. She is seen smoking immediately after it is said that the father died of lung cancer. Didn't anyone else see the irony?

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] oodus347 16 years ago

I saw the movie last night and it was terrible

First off, there were tons of editing mistakes and anachronisms that I noticed and the Goofs section for this movie on IMDb verified it. They were pretty major and obvious, especially the kid shouting "Sabbath!" and when the camera is on him when he's a DJ later, you hear him in the background going, "Sabbath!" What - did he clone himself? That's a huge goof

Second, the acting and script was corny beyond belief. It was painful to sit through. The old people listening to Duchovny's story came off as dumb, not endearing, and something about his wife having the classic French smoking pose while listening to his story struck me as trite. The ending did feel forced and very rushed, yet at the same time, the movie went on too long. And he named his kid Odell after the Lady? C'mon

Third, Robin Williams did a terrible job playing a retarded man. He was mildly slow at best. Yet he still managed to do his improv schtick

3/10

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

Oh well, as they say, to each their own. I really enjoyed the film and have watched it many times.

[–] RedScully20 16 years ago

I saw the movie last night and it was terrible

I totally agree with everything you said. I think the title should have been "The House of Dumb"

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

You mean like the title of Straightheads should have been shi@heads

[–] RedScully20 16 years ago

I don't care what you call Straightheads because what ever comes out of your month is a lie anyway. You lied about never posting on a Gillian board again and at Haven you have posted several times. For going back on YOUR WORD, your are a SNAKE IN THE GRASS type of person. So you can post about anything and it can and probably is a LIE,

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

Yes, i posted that i saw that there was a quick shot of GA on Entertainment tonight. OH my isn't that awful I lie?, bet you never even saw HoD. Whose to know.

[–] RedScully20 16 years ago

Again you lie. You posted three times in the thread about the petition on Calfiornication. As if no one knows how you feel. You broke your word.
It doesn’t matter what you said you broke your promise so you are a liar.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

That was also about David and his show and i wanted to have my say. So, why do you post in the HoD folder? You don't like David or his work. You don't even like Mulder.As far as me, If i want to post in something that is David related in the GA folder at the Haven I'll do so. No, i don't want to see her in a scenario like she suggested because it's stupid. If David feels he could put her in the show and make it smart and fit then it would not be to bad. But i hope he never does. It spells GIMICK

[–] RedScully20 16 years ago

This is a movie folder and I never said I wouldn't post in any folder like you did. But by your answer your word means nothing to you which is fine with me just don't play the victim. About the show it has a lot of GIMICKs one more wouldn't change it but my take on GA remark was it was a JOKE. She probably didn't even think about being on the show.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

[–] Pippy-4 16 years ago

And i posted in a folder that was talking about one of David's projects and in others that has to do with the new film and will continue to do so. I don't post here at the IMDB in her folder. And what i said at the Haven was just fine. I'm allowed to post where ever i want.

[–] mrrexsocks 10 years ago

This was like two movies mashed together, one set in 1974 which actually had a decent story and a great cast, and one set in 2002 which was full of David Duchovny totally sucking, then flying off like ET on some lame cartoon bicycle with his annoyingly generic family.

Also, Pippy you're weird. You've been frequently posting about David Duchovny for at least 8 years now.

[–] Pippy-4 10 years ago

Wow!! The HoD folderBeen many a moon since I've been here. . Try posting about David for 20 years Been a fan of his since 1994. If that makes me weird so be it