Two Weeks

I am starting this review by something I rarely do~ giving the critics opinions first. At rotten tomatoes.com, the critics trounced this film ~a dismal 16%. However, filmgoers gave it a rousing 80%. For me there were some sloppy points, but as one who has lost my mother and two sons, there are also some moments of pure truth. The other caveat is my youngest's birthday was Saturday, so my grief glasses are on.

This film is loosely based on the writer/director, Steve Stockman’s experiences during his mothers death. The cast highlights Sally Field as the mother, who does some of her best work here. The adult children arrive one by one and each has their own way of dealing~ or not dealing with their mothers impending death. The daughter tries to “self-help” her way by reading all the how to die books~ an excellent Julianne Moore. The Hollywood writer son tries to “Zen” his way through the loss, a portrait of denial by Ben Chaplin. Tom Cavanaugh portrays Ben, the workaholic with just the right pathos and comedic touch, especially when he finds work does not need him as much as he needs it. Mathew, Glenn Howerton, the baby and emotional heart of the family in the end, gives a portrayal of disengagement with much of life let alone death. The family dynamics of the siblings and their roles in a family structure ring true. These subjects are difficult to watch at times and at others beyond hilarious. Just like real life as one watches a dear one die.

I saw myself many times, in many characters and this resonated with me on several levels. There is a scene in the local grocery store that is so me, and a scene at a dining room table that had me rolling in laughter… and I confess a few tears to.

This is a subject we, as a society, do not like to discuss, let alone place ourselves in. Yet one will find oneself as a participant, observer or as object of dying eventually. If you have already had the experience of losing a parent, rent this movie. If your parents still live, rent it anyway. If you are older, younger, rent this movie. In human experience there are two events that are pure ~birth and death. They are equally important.

The DVD also has some resources for those who are ill or dying, a director’s commentary and an interview with the actors. I recommend this film.