Spacek and Farrell - at home

The Home At The End Of The World – Michael Mayer

This is an impressive little film that received a shamefully limited release. With a screenplay by Michael Cunningham (The Hours) of his first novel, director Mayer has fashioned a tender, grown up film about complex relationships. It is about belonging without ownership; ownership without possession and forms of love free of all three.

The story set in the 60’s and 70’s, traces the innocence, anxiety and confusion of sexual discovery in a time of questioning, unconventional forms of relationship. As you might expect, given the period, the soundtrack is superb, including Dylan, The Band, Patti Smith, Jefferson Airplane etc.

Colin Farrell is a revelation playing against type with a diffident tenderness that builds. Sissy Spacek is at her usual, totally dependable best, and the too seldom seen Robin Wright Penn, excellent in a difficult role to pull off. Relative newcomer, Dallas Roberts makes up an impressive foursome of ensemble playing. Their younger counterparts are also impressively played in setting up the period of the main narrative.

Though quirky, you soon begin to care what happens to these questioning personalities; and moved by their eventual fates. A very good little sleeper of a movie. Catch it if you can.

(January 2005)

Filed under: 4 stars, Comedy, Drama, General, Hollywood, Michael Mayer, Romance