Ordinary People ★★★½ 1980 (R) Powerful, well-acted story of a family's struggle to deal with one son's accidental death and the other's subsequent guilt-ridden suicide attempt. Features strong performances by all, but Moore is especially believable as the cold and rigid mother. McGovern's film debut as well as Redford's directorial debut. Based on the novel by Judith Guest. 124m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch, M. Emmet Walsh, Elizabeth McGovern, Adam Baldwin, Dinah Manoff, James B. Sikking, Frederic Lehne;
Director:
Robert Redford;
Writer:
Alvin Sargent;
Writer:
John Bailey;
Cameo:
Marvin Hamlisch. Oscars '80: Adapt. Screenplay, Director (Redford), Picture, Support. Actor (Hutton); Directors Guild '80: Director (Redford); Golden Globes '81: Actress—Drama (Moore), Director (Redford), Film—Drama, Support. Actor (Hutton); L.A. Film Critics '80: Support. Actor (Hutton); Natl. Bd. of Review '80: Director (Redford); N.Y. Film Critics '80: Film; Writers Guild '80: Adapt. Screenplay.
