Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Ordinary People (1980)
Ordinary People
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Ordinary People (1980) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 15 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   14,756 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 9% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Robert Redford
Writers:
Judith Guest (novel)
Alvin Sargent (screenplay)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Ordinary People on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
27 February 1981 (Australia) more
Genre:
Drama more
Tagline:
some films you watch, others you feel. more
Plot:
The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Won 4 Oscars. Another 14 wins & 8 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(30 articles)
Gary Ross Joins 'Spider-Man 4' Writers
 (From CinemaSpy. 9 July 2009, 2:10 PM, PDT)

Yet Another Writer Hired for Spider-Man 4
 (From FilmJunk. 9 July 2009, 6:58 AM, PDT)

User Comments:
Stunning insight into a family falling apart. more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Donald Sutherland ... Calvin Jarrett

Mary Tyler Moore ... Beth Jarrett

Judd Hirsch ... Dr. Tyrone C. Berger

Timothy Hutton ... Conrad Jarrett

M. Emmet Walsh ... Coach Salan

Elizabeth McGovern ... Jeannine Pratt
Dinah Manoff ... Karen

Fredric Lehne ... Lazenby
James Sikking ... Ray Hanley (as James B. Sikking)

Basil Hoffman ... Sloan
Scott Doebler ... Jordan 'Buck' Jarrett
Quinn K. Redeker ... Ward (as Quinn Redeker)
Mariclare Costello ... Audrey
Meg Mundy ... Grandmother
Elizabeth Hubbard ... Ruth
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
124 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Michael J. Fox auditioned for the role of Conrad Jarrett. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Conrad is crying in the car there the tear running down his cheek disappears and reappears between shots. more
Quotes:
Karen: Conrad. Let's have a great Christmas. Let's have... a great year. Let's have the best year of our whole lives. We can, you know... this could be the best one ever. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Waterdance (1992) more
Soundtrack:
Canon in D major more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
22 out of 34 people found the following comment useful:-
Stunning insight into a family falling apart., 30 January 2005
10/10
Author: Greg from CT

"Ordinary People" deserved its Oscar. There was such fierce competition in 1980 that winning the award was a real honor. The movie should have shared honors with "Coal Miner's Daughter".

Having said that, the reality of the movie is so heartbreaking and so real that you feel every emotion and understand the characters feelings, whether you liked them or not. Mary Tyler Moore's performance of Beth Jarrett is so powerful that you forget Moore's comedic repertoire and immerse yourself into her persona as a cold, distant wife that can not show emotion for her son. It is disturbing that Beth can not show Conrad love and it breaks your heart when you see the awkwardness as he tries so hard to get any love or recognition from her. Her breakdown scene at the golf course and the realization at the end of the movie that she is incapable of affectionate love are powerful performances.

Donald Sutherland's understated and beautiful performance is brilliant. His making up for Beth's shortcomings as an affectionate human being are so touching. He does all he can to keep the rest of his family together. Why he was not nominated for an Oscar is beyond comprehension.

Timothy Hutton absolutely shines as the troubled Conrad. All you want to do is hug him, love him, after his rejections from his own mother. The torture and pain he is in is portrayed so stunningly. His guilt over the death of his brother and subsequent depression are heartbreaking.

Growing up in suburban America, the film rings many a truth to the insights of what people perceive as a "normal family". The cocktail parties, the school activities, the socialization of Beth and her friends over the recognition of her son do happen in suburban America. Robert Redford recognized every real detail of the facades that people put up and the reality of what happens at home. They are poignantly and chillingly realized.

Definitely one of the most deserved Best Picture Oscars given. Please don't miss this one.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Ordinary People (1980)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Best Picture? Hey_Paul15
Wonderful movie from beginning to end... hannahp1
Timothy Hutton's performance NYgirl1281
Beth Jarrett: Mom Or Monster? Nogerelli
Love Mary Tyler Moore johnnyjetwad
Good Will Hunting Psychiatrist bullpenboxes
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Giant Twelve and Holding The Outsiders City of Shoulders and Noses Jimmy and Judy
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.