Ordinary People Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family in the suburbs can’t decide if sailing is more dangerous than therapy, so they just keep doing both until everyone cries.

🍿 Ordinary People: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Jarrett Family’s Grief

The film introduces the Jarrett family: Calvin, Beth, and their surviving son, Conrad. They live in an affluent suburb of Chicago, grappling with the recent death of their older son, Buck, in a sailing accident. Conrad is particularly affected, having been with Buck during the accident, and is struggling with immense guilt. He has recently returned home after a stay in a psychiatric hospital following a suicide attempt.

Conrad’s Therapy and Recovery

Conrad begins seeing Dr. Tyrone Berger, a psychiatrist, to cope with his depression and survivor’s guilt. Their sessions are initially tense, with Conrad reluctant to open up. However, as they continue, Conrad starts confronting his emotions and the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death. He also rejoins the school swim team, attempting to reintegrate into normal life, but faces challenges due to his emotional state and strained relationships.

Strained Family Dynamics

The film delves into the fractured relationship between Conrad and his mother, Beth. Beth struggles to connect with Conrad, seemingly unable to express affection or empathy. It becomes clear that she favored Buck, and Conrad’s survival is a constant reminder of their loss. Calvin, the father, is caught in the middle, trying to support both his son and his wife, but feels increasingly helpless as the family continues to unravel.

New Relationships and Setbacks

Conrad begins dating Jeannine Pratt, a fellow choir member, and finds solace in their connection. He also reconnects with Karen, a former patient from the psychiatric hospital, but is devastated when she unexpectedly commits suicide. This loss triggers a relapse of his depression, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and vulnerabilities in therapy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Conrad Jarrett (Timothy Hutton): The guilt-ridden younger son struggling with depression and survivor’s guilt after his brother’s death, leading to a suicide attempt and subsequent therapy.
• Beth Jarrett (Mary Tyler Moore): The emotionally detached mother who struggles to connect with her surviving son, preferring to maintain a facade of normalcy and perfection.
• Calvin Jarrett (Donald Sutherland): The well-meaning but conflicted father who tries to hold his family together while navigating his wife’s emotional distance and his son’s struggles.
• Dr. Tyrone Berger (Judd Hirsch): Conrad’s empathetic and unconventional psychiatrist who helps him confront his grief and underlying emotional issues.
• Jeannine Pratt (Elizabeth McGovern): Conrad’s girlfriend, who provides him with a sense of normalcy and connection as he deals with his depression.
• Karen (Dinah Manoff): A fellow patient Conrad met during his hospitalization, who offers him camaraderie and understanding, but ultimately succumbs to her own struggles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Calvin: “You are beautiful. And you are unpredictable. But you’re so cautious. You’re determined, Beth, but you know something? You’re not strong. And I don’t know if you’re really giving. Tell me something. Do you love me? Do you really love me?” – Calvin confronts Beth about her emotional detachment and questions her ability to love.
• Dr. Berger: “You’re a very talented young man, Conrad. But you’re going to have to learn to live in the world, and there’s a lot of pain in the world.” – Dr. Berger tries to help Conrad understand the realities of life and how to cope with them.
• Conrad: “I killed him. I should have been the one who died.” – Conrad expresses his guilt and belief that he was responsible for his brother’s death.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $54,766,923
• Worldwide Gross: $54,766,923

💥 Ordinary People Reviews

Personal Review

Ordinary People hit me hard. The movie is a gut-wrenching and honest look at family dysfunction. Seeing Timothy Hutton’s character struggle with grief and guilt made me really feel for him. The therapy scenes felt so raw and real; Judd Hirsch was amazing. This film isn’t easy to watch, but it’s important. The scene where Donald Sutherland breaks down trying to understand his wife was just heartbreaking. It made me think a lot about communication and family.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories about family dynamics and grief”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances”
  • “Audiences interested in psychological dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide attempt”
  • “Depression”
  • “Grief”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Redford’s directorial debut is a masterclass in understated drama. He coaxes phenomenal performances from the cast, especially Mary Tyler Moore, who shatters her comedic image with a chilling portrayal of a detached mother. A deeply moving and unforgettable film.
• Variety: “A sensitive and well-crafted adaptation of Judith Guest’s novel. Redford demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a deft touch with actors. While the subject matter is heavy, the film avoids sentimentality and offers a realistic portrayal of grief and healing.
• RogerEbert.com: “One of the best films of the decade. Redford uses subtle camerawork and allows the performances to shine. Mary Tyler Moore is brilliant. “Ordinary People” is an unblinking look at the challenges of communication within a family in crisis. This film holds up because the emotions are honest.

Audience Reactions

Timothy Hutton’s performance is incredibly powerful and relatable.: Viewers praised Hutton’s authentic portrayal of a teenager struggling with depression and survivor’s guilt.

Mary Tyler Moore’s departure from her comedic roles is stunning and unforgettable.: Audiences were shocked and impressed by Moore’s portrayal of a cold and emotionally distant mother.

Judd Hirsch’s therapist character provides a voice of reason and genuine care.: Fans appreciated the realistic depiction of therapy and the positive impact of Dr. Berger on Conrad’s life.

Overall Consensus: Ordinary People is a deeply moving and well-acted drama that explores themes of grief, guilt, and family dysfunction. It has resonated with audiences for its honest portrayal of difficult emotions and its powerful performances.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1981
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1981
3. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1981
4. Academy Award (Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay)- 1981
5. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1981
6. Golden Globe (Best Director)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Redford’s directorial debut earned him the Best Director Oscar, marking a successful transition from acting to directing.”
• “Mary Tyler Moore’s portrayal of Beth Jarrett was a significant departure from her comedic roles, showcasing her dramatic range and earning her an Academy Award nomination.”
• “Timothy Hutton, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, was the youngest actor to ever win in that category at the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ordinary People?

Ordinary People is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for broadcast schedules on cable television. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ordinary People, you might like these similar films:

• American Beauty (1999): Explores dysfunctional family dynamics in affluent suburbia with themes of depression and hidden unhappiness.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief, guilt, and the struggle to cope with loss in a raw and realistic way.
• The Ice Storm (1997): A dark drama exploring family secrets and emotional repression in 1970s suburban America.

🛒 Ordinary People Related Products

• Ordinary People (Blu-ray): Experience the emotionally powerful film in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition features improved picture and sound quality, bringing the story to life like never before.
• Ordinary People (Novel by Judith Guest): Read the original novel that inspired the movie, delving deeper into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. A must-have for fans of the film.
• Ordinary People Movie Poster: Own a piece of cinematic history with a high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for the film.
• Robert Redford: The Biography: Explore the life and career of Robert Redford, delving into his directorial choices and impact on cinema. A fascinating read for fans of Ordinary People.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ordinary People features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Canon in D major” – performed by Johann Pachelbel
• “Ordinary People (Main Title)” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Michael Mann Movies Are Cool

Ever wonder what makes a director’s style truly captivating? This video breaks down Michael Mann’s approach to filmmaking, focusing on relatable characters in intense situations. It’s a great watch if you appreciate well-developed characters!

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