After the dust has settled, and we've all finally gotten over the spectacle of Slumdog Millionaire, we're plunged back into a world of money-talk, recession, bonuses, quantative easing and financial woes from here to eternity. If the success of Slumdog taught us anything, apart from what a great film visionary Danny Boyle truly is, it's that in times of hardship, some people turn to films to lift them, to transport them from their surroundings and to restore their faith in the world we live in. Some people watch Saw 5. I suppose sometimes people turn to film to escape a personal trauma, or if you're like me, at times its just to escape the news. Press conferences with Mervyn King aren't all that bad, but by March the whole spiel is starting to get tiring. So its down to us, the Joe everybodies of this world to use this great medium for perhaps its most important purpose: to inspire us, to enrich our lives, and to drown out CNN.(just briefly)
The Cider House Rules (2000)
The Cider House Rules came on my radar back in 2000 or so, and probably only as Michael Caine was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal as the physician and secret abortionist Dr. Larch. In the story, based on the John Irving novel, Homer Wells (played by Tobey Maguire)is a young orphan who for years has been taken under the wing of physician and orphanage director Dr. Wilbur Larch. When a young couple arrive at the orphanage for an emergency abortion (yes, Dr. Larch performs those as well) Homer finds the opportunity to escape with them to their family apple farm and stand on his own to feet for the first time in his life. There, Homer learns of the trials of life outside the boundaries of the orphange, the politics of the cider house and the meaning of true responsiblity .
Its not one of those films that I suppose many people are aware of, but it is a film that drags you (kicking and screaming) into the story, and almost persuades you to go along with it. I put it in these terms as it has, ostensibly, the hallmarks of a run of the mill, polished awards season poser. In many respects I suppose it is, but it's also a sweet, charming and endearing tale of a young man who leaves home to find his way in the world, all the whilst realising that home was always where his heart was. Tobey Maguire receives his fare share of flack from critics, I dont know if its just because he was Spiderman and they weren't, or if some just have a genuine aversion to him.
I for one haven't seen him give a bad performance yet; he seems to pick roles that suit his gentle demenaour and overwhelmingly expressive countenance. The Cider House Rules isn't the kind of movie that you want to say too much about, its a solid, warm hearted, well performed drama that should be allowed to speak for itself. With a core story that is genuinely emotionally gripping, some of the more convenient plot devices can be easily forgiven. With a great supporting turn from Delroy Lindo, and an eye watering climax, its the perfect distraction for those who need an escape from the daily grind of recession Britain.
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