A travel writer (William Hurt) finds his marriage disintegrating after the death of his son (who was murdered). After his wife (Kathleen Turner) leaves him, he finds his routine life invaded by a quirky dog trainer (Geena Davis). While she brings him out of his shell, he still finds himself attached to his old life and wife. Based on the novel by Anne Tyler, this was one of the most praised films of 1988. The New York Film Critics named it the best film of 1988, it also was nominated for a best picture Oscar and Geena Davis won the best supporting actress award for her performance. But it doesn't seem remembered today as one of the major or important films of the 1980s, which is a pity as it's a wonderfully contemplative look at how accepting we become of the routine of our lives, how we often fight against change and opening up. Its protagonist is a conundrum, he's unable to deal with the problems his life has thrown at him and avoids conflict yet he realizes his inability. When we meet his anal retentive family (they place the products in their pantry alphabetically), we can see the where and the why of his personality. I love Hurt's performance here and he was probably my favorite actor of the 1980s. He has the uncanny ability of hiding his acting so that all you see is the character, a rare feat. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan. With Bill Pullman, Amy Wright, Ed Begley Jr., David Ogden Stiers and Robert Hy Gorman.
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