 | The Cider House Rules Starring: Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron |
Seldom does a film come along which combines great performances, breathtaking photography, great writing and a haunting score, all blending into a visual poem that leaves it's impression firmly placed in ones heart and mind. Director Lasse Hallstrom ("My Life as a Dog") has accomplished this with ease and perfection. This is the work of an important director who has perfected his craft. No coming of age film has ever touched me in the quiet unassuming way of "The Cider House Rules." This is extraordinary. The coming of age of Homer Wells could not fail to touch the viewer. With a straight narrative form written by John Irving from his poignant novel, director Hallstrom has subtlety turned his film into a character driven story that accents relationships between believable, flawed characters, creating a sensitive, touching visual form that dazzles the eyes far beyond the expected pedantic approach. Powerful performances by Caine as the noble Dr. Lynch, the frightened, lonely Candy (Theron), and the "off the wall" portrayal of homer by Tobey Maguire drives this film through it's emotional roller coaster. Add to this the beautiful photography of the New England landscape by Oliver Stapleton and the haunting theme by Rachael Portman, both of which enhance the narrative with the pure poetry of space and composition. The viewer is left with film that connects in a most profound way. The story is about Homer Wells who is raised in an isolated New England orphanage and trained and educated by the sensitive Dr. Lynch, director of the institution. Life seems to just "happen" to Homer. By his late teenage years he is well trained as a doctor yet without a diploma. Homer is kind, understanding and wise beyond his years. Tired of just reacting to events, Homer leaves the orphanage and has his brush with the real world. He eventually returns to the orphanage as a man who has come to terms with himself and life. He no longer just reacts but acts. Maguire's performance is unsettling but it works. A lesser actor could have breezed through this role. Compliments to both Hallstrom and Maguire for having the courage to add a mysterious complexity to Homer while retaining his disarming charm and wit. Supporting roles also play a strong role in the effectiveness of the film. Hallstrom has created a true work of visual art and viewers will find this film difficult to forget. It's one of a kind. In a season of exceptional films, "The Cider House Rules" ranks in the top tier. |