Review of The Door in the Floor (2004) by Ali Y — 04 Jan 2005

I've written more about [b]The Door In the Floor[/b] and Irving's book, [u]A Widow for One Year[/u], in my other journal, "Recent Favorite Reads".

Last night I actually saw this movie for the first time, had to wait for dvd - this shitty town has so few films shown here.

I really liked this movie but because I love the book and understand the whole context and story my perception is skewed. I don't know how I would've received the film without knowing the novel. I do believe it seems to stand alone as a complete film though. It's one of those rare films about human experience and condition, survival, judgement, compassion and innocence.

All the performances are right on, nail the characters, and we know this a hard accomplishment. Readers "know" the characters in a favorite book so well how can an actor meet the myriad of expectations? But I was not disappointed with this movie. Dakota Fanning's younger sister, Elle, plays Ruthie and she seems to hold the promise of talent Dakota has shown in all her films. Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, and Jon Foster embodied their characters as well as can be portrayed on film.

I can't write more now.